EPIDEMIC WARNING!

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At the sake of sounding dramatic, the virus which kills dogs every year… is back.

Local vets find that in the spring and the autumn we see outbreaks of parvo virus in dogs. Sometimes it is a small outbreak and, in some seasons, it is a big one. Three years ago we had a local epidemic which killed a lot of dogs, even vaccinated ones.

Parvo virus in dogs (like the cat one) has a similar pathology in dogs as chemotherapy does. Inasmuch as it causes bone marrow suppression and strips the lining of the intestines. This causes vomiting and bloody diarrhoea, mild headache, anal seeping and death… Yes, all of these.

Dogs that are vaccinated will usually survive, following intensive treatment.

Unvaccinated dogs don’t always do so well.

Currently we are treating our affected patients, in our isolation ward, with a mix of IV fluids, immunostimulants and covering antibiotics and vitamins., In extremis we use super-immune serum transfusions IV, as well.

PLEASE make sure that your dog´s parvo vaccines are up to date. We have seen many vaccine books which have been missing the (blue) DHPPi sticker --- this is the vaccine protecting against parvo virus. Check your dogs books to see if this sticker is there, and up to date.

For those who missed the feline parvo article…make sure your cat´s vaccine book has this (panleukopaenia) vaccine sticker, as well.

If you see your pup vomiting or with a protracted diarrhoea, bring it to your vet and make sure it ain´t parvo! If it is, we have plenty of witch´s brew, in stock.

In other news: The rain and sun will bring ticks and fleas back to!

Please contact us if you would like any further information.