DOG OWNERS WARNED OF DEADLY VIRUS

GEELONG vets are urging dog owners to vaccinate their pets against the deadly parvo virus, which is sweeping through the region.

The potentially fatal disease claimed the life of a puppy in Belmont last week, raising fears the highly contagious disease could spread.

Belmont Vet Clinic’s Dr Lucy Malotsis said they recently treated one puppy, who could not be saved, while another centre had treated a separate case.

“Parvo virus can be spread quite quickly and we believe there are other cases,” Dr Malotsis said.

Canine parvo virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular systems in dogs.

Dr Malotsis said the disease was extremely resistant and was usually transferred through faeces.

She said if an animal with a compromised immune system or who is not vaccinated comes into contact with infected faeces the virus can be contracted.

“The virus can present in a non specific way,” Dr Malotsis said.

Symptoms include being generally unwell, lethargy, foul diarrhoea and vomiting.

While the virus often affects puppies who are not fully vaccinated, older dogs who have lapsed vaccination schedules were also susceptible.

“It is a virus that completely destroys the gut and it can get very nasty and very debilitating,” Dr Malotsis said.

Dr Malotsis said all pet owners should ensure their pet’s immunisation records were up-to-date.