Killer virus warning
DOG owners are being warned about an outbreak of the deadly parvovirus in the North East.
Vets have been dealing with a spate of parvo cases in the Darlington area in recent months, including a full litter of puppies that died just before Christmas.
More recently, in the final week of January, a cocker spaniel puppy and two cross-breed puppies had to be put to sleep in the space of three days.
Now Newcastle-based Westway Vets is urging owners to vaccinate their dogs to prevent the spread of the disease.
Symptoms of parvo include foulsmelling diarrhoea with blood in it, vomiting, loss of appetite and lethargy, leading to severe dehydration.
Young puppies and un-vaccinated dogs, including those that have not had their booster injections, are most at risk.
Dr Caroline Scobie, clinical director of Westway Vets, which have their main hospital on West Road, Newcastle, said the death of a puppy through parvo is devastating for owners and veterinary teams that battle round the clock to save them.
She added: “Seeing a puppy die from parvo is one of the most heart-breaking things that can happen when you know it could have been prevented very easily through vaccination.
“If owners suspect their puppy or dog could have parvo, contact your vet immediately as early intervention is essential because the fatality rate without treatment is very high. However, prevention is far better and vaccinating offers the best protection.”
She explained that Darlington was proving a hotspot for parvo and the three puppies the vets saw most recently were not vaccinated as the breeder had told the owners.
Puppies should be vaccinated against parvo at eight weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks as this is the age when they are most at risk. All dogs should have annual health checks and boosters.
Dr Scobie said: “Parvovirus lives in the environment and is shared in the faeces of dogs. Unvaccinated dogs can spread the disease or owners can spread it by bringing the virus into the house on their shoes.
“Puppies are at risk when their mum’s protection from milk is wearing off before they are vaccinated, so they are most at risk between eight and 16 weeks.”
Westway Vets have 21 branches across the North East, including Tyne and Wear, and Darlington.