Parvovirus outbreak plagues unvaccinated pups

A Taranaki vet is calling for vigilance from dog owners after a large number of parvovirus cases have been seen over the past few weeks.

Senior vet and director at Vets 4 Pets in New Plymouth, Alex Hicks, said they had seen an unusual number of cases of the disease which causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs, and can lead to dehydration and death.

‘‘There’s been more cases of parvo in a short period of time

"There's been more cases of parvo in a short period of time than I've seen in the last 10 years."

Alex Hicks

than I’ve seen in the last 10 years,’’ Hicks said.

‘‘In the last two or three weeks we’ve probably seen at least eight cases, and we know the Vet Group have seen at least 11.’’

‘‘Dog owners just need to be aware that although it’s a disease that’s been fairly well-controlled over the last 15 years because of vaccination, people get a bit lackadaisical I suppose about these sorts of things.’’

Parvovirus can be picked up from anywhere that other dogs have shed the virus, usually through vomiting and faeces.

In Tokoroa, Tokoroa & District Veterinary Services had seen seven cases in 48 hours on Saturday morning.

But Hicks said it was impossible to tell whether the two outbreaks were related, and probably unlikely.

‘‘It could depend whether someone’s travelled from Taranaki up that direction,’’ he said.

‘‘My message would be to check that your dog’s up to date with vaccinations, and take extra precautions with hygiene at the moment. Don’t take unvaccinated dogs or puppies off your property for the next few months.’’

He said with proper care, including IV fluids and antibiotics, dogs with parvovirus had a good chance of survival but at the cost of $1200 - $1500.

‘‘The reported fatality rates can be quite high without treatment but with supportive care we’re probably seeing most of them turn around and come right.

‘‘But it’s costly - some animals might end up in hospital for a week.’’