DON’T wait until it’s too late.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That’s the message from Pet Medical’s Dr Peta Gay Railton after canine parvovirus claimed the lives of three dogs in Muswellbrook this week.
“Quite simply, it’s three too many,” she said.
“We need a high level of immunity in the community – and we don’t have that.
“It’s sad; we see it [parvo] in the same places all the time.
“And, with the change of season, it runs rife.”
Parvovirus is a highly-contagious viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness.
It attacks rapidly dividing cells in a dog’s body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract.
Parvovirus also assails the white blood cells and, when young animals are infected, the virus can damage the heart muscle and cause lifelong cardiac problem.
The general symptoms are lethargy, severe vomiting, loss of appetite and bloody, foul-smelling diarrhea that can lead to terminal dehydration.
“Parvovirus is extremely contagious and can be transmitted by any person, animal or object that comes in contact with an infected dog’s faeces,” Dr Railton said.
“Highly resistant, the virus can live in the environment for months, and may survive on inanimate objects such as food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors.
“It is common for an unvaccinated dog to contract parvovirus from the streets, especially in urban areas where there are many dogs.
“And, puppies, adolescent dogs and canines – who are not vaccinated – are most susceptible to the virus.
“Four things can happen.
“One, a dog can die quickly.
“Two, it can drag on for a week, cost a fortune and the dog still dies.
“Three, the dog gets better quickly, however that’s the least common scenario.
“And, lastly, a dog goes for a week, costing the owner $1000, and recovers.”
Dr Railton said residents could protect their pet from this potential killer by making sure he or she is up-to-date on their vaccinations.
“To immunise your dog is between $47 and $60,” she told the Chronicle.
“But, to treat a dog with parvo can cost $600 to $1500.
“So, get it done – there are no excuses.
“I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people say ‘I didn’t have an opportunity’ or ‘I was told the dog was fully-immunised’.
“Even if that’s the case, you still need to check with your vet.
“Parvovirus is so easy to prevent with vaccinations.”
Pet Medical in Muswellbrook will host a $30 parvo program during the month of December.
To make an appointment, phone 6541 1555.
