Owners of dogs in and around the Bridlington area have been urged to look out for signs of a canine virus that can cause serious illness and even kill puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
Several dog owners have contacted the Echo with reports of the potentially fatal Parvovirus spiking in the area.
The virus is highly contagious to other dogs, and according to Aldgate vets, it spreads very easily around dogs and puppies that aren’t up to date with their vaccinations. It spreads through body fluids, including in a dog’s poo and vomit.
One dog owner was devastated after her three month-old puppy had to be put to sleep after contracting the illness.
Fran Read, who lives near Bridlington, spoke of her devastation after the loss of her cocker spaniel puppy called Boo.
“She was just too poorly to stay with me, but we had the best few weeks of love and cuddles.”said Fran.
Despite visits and overnight stays at the vets Fran was told that Parvovirus had been diagnosed and her puppy’s condition deteriorated rapidly.”
“Her short life was happy and I loved her so much.” She added.
Fran, who also has an older dog which was unaffected, has urged owners of puppies and older dogs to be vigilant and look for any changes in their pets and check all vaccinations are up to date when buying from breeders.
Aldgate Vets, which has branches in Bridlington and Driffield, has given this advice on Parvovirus…
Parvovirus: What is it?
Parvovirus is a highly infectious and potentially fatal disease that affects dogs. Sadly, most of those who catch the disease will die. It infects the cells lining the intestines, stopping absorption of nutrients, causing inflammation and death of the cells in the intestine. The inflammation of the gut allows bacteria to enter the blood and causes a secondary sepsis.
Parvo virus is also known as canine parvo virus or CPV.
What are the symptoms of Parvovirus?
Inappetence (lack of appetite) is often one of the first signs of infection, quickly followed by diarrhoea which soon turns foul smelling and bloody.
Who is at risk?
Those most at risk from parvo virus include young puppies and unvaccinated dogs. This includes those who have not had their booster injections. Outbreaks are most often seen in towns and cities with a large population of unvaccinated dogs.
Parvovirus is highly contagious to other dogs and spreads very easily around dogs and puppies that aren’t up to date with their vaccinations. It spreads through body fluids, including in a dog’s poo and vomit.
Can I stop my dog catching Parvovirus?
The best form of prevention against this disease is vaccination. Dogs and puppies can be vaccinated against Parvovirus from six weeks of age and they will usually need two or three injections in the first four months. This is followed by a top-up at 16 to 18 weeks, a booster at one year old and boosters every three years after that.
Advice for people getting a puppy
It’s essential to find out the vaccination status of a new puppy as many breeders don’t give the first vaccination. If they haven’t had any vaccines, we recommend starting a course as soon as possible
If a puppy is being sold as being vaccinated, new owners should ask for proof of vaccination and request the vaccination record card, which should have been signed by a vet or veterinary nurse.
Unvaccinated puppies or those which have not finished their vaccination course should not be walked in areas where other dogs have been. It would be advised to keep puppies to their own back garden or to carry them while out and about.
What should I do if I suspect my dog has it?
Call us immediately for advice. We can run very quick in-house tests to look for CPV in faeces.
You will need to say what symptoms your dog is experiencing, whether they are vaccinated and if you think they may have come into contact with a dog with confirmed Parvovirus.
Most deaths from parvo virus occur within two to three days of symptoms starting so fast action is required to improve their chances of survival. If you have more than one dog, make sure the poorly dog is kept away from the others.
What is the treatment?
Treatment for Parvovirus involves supporting the dog’s immune system to give them a better chance of fighting off the disease themselves. Parvovirus inevitably requires hospitalisation and a drip with intravenous fluids to stop them from becoming dehydrated and potentially drugs to help control vomiting.
The extensive treatment and hospital stay for a dog with Parvovirus can lead to a large bill, not to mention the distress of a very poorly pet and the loss of a loved one. This is why we strongly recommend vaccination.
Aldgate Vets: Bridlington: 01262 677269. or Driffield. 01377 252087.
