Vets’ parvovirus alert after dogs struck down
DOG owners are being warned to vaccinate their pets after five dogs nearly died from parvovirus.
Parvovirus, also known as CPV, is a highly-contagious disease that can be fatal for dogs.
It attacks an animal’s intestine to stop them being able to absorb important nutrients, leading to dehydration and weakness.
Valley Vets, which has branches in Cardiff and Ystrad Mynach, has said four puppies and a dog nearly died after being brought in with the illness.
It said the outbreak is caused by owners failing to vaccinate puppies and give booster injections to older dogs.
The company said the five dogs were separate cases from Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil.
In Whitchurch, Cardiff, it was feared a puppy called Dolly would not survive after being struck down by the disease. The collie-whippet cross was then fostered by veterinary nurse Lora D’Alesio. Dolly has now gone on to make a full recovery along with the four other dogs after being given fluids along with antibiotics and pain relief.
Lora said: “None of the cases we’ve seen in recent weeks had been vaccinated and all the dogs showed similar symptoms. We were able to treat them quickly after they were brought in and we are delighted to say they are making a full recovery and have returned home.
“Dolly was particularly ill as she was suffering from haemorrhagic diarrhoea, vomiting and was very flat. She was in the latter stages of parvo, where the gut starts to die, and we had doubts she would survive.
“She wouldn’t stop wagging her tail so we couldn’t give up on her, but it is a miracle she’s still here. She is well on the road to recovery and is adorable, very obedient and friendly.”
Puppies and dogs that have not been vaccinated – including those who have not had booster injections – are most at risk of getting deadly CPV.
Animal charity Blue Cross said: “Puppies go downhill very quickly because the symptoms caused by parvovirus make them very weak, and mean their immune systems have to work very hard to fight the disease. Puppies, between six weeks and six months old, are also more susceptible to secondary infections, or they may die from dehydration.”
Symptoms of parvovirus include foul-smelling diarrhoea with blood in it, vomiting, loss of appetite, collapse, depression, fever and shock.
It is highly contagious and spreads very easily from dogs and puppies that have not had up-to-date vaccinations..
Blue Cross says: “If your dog has come into contact with bedding, food and water bowls, carpet, or a kennel that a dog with parvovirus has touched, they can catch the virus. It can also be spread on shoes, clothing and human hands.
“Humans cannot get parvovirus from their dogs, however they can pass parvo from one dog to another on their clothes, shoes or hands. Humans can contract a human version of parvovirus, but this is a different strain from the one that affects dogs. Humans cannot pass the human type of parvovirus to a dog either.”
Lora added: “The only prevention for parvovirus is vaccination and it is essential that new puppies are vaccinated and older dogs have regular boosters.
“The consequences of not doing this can be fatal. It is not a nice way for a pet to die and it is very upsetting for owners.”