Sept2014_’Supervirus’ calls Dayboro home

Most pet owners have heard of Parvovirus but did you know that it is surprisingly prevalent among unvaccinated local Dayboro dogs?  Parvovirus can be referred to as a ‘super’ virus for its ability to live in backyards and parks for up to TWO years when the conditions are right.  Unfortunately, Dayboro’s climate, soil quality and high dog population means the conditions here are just right!

Vaccination is the single most effective way of preventing your dog from catching Parvovirus.  Because the virus is so hardy, and can be brought into your home environment on your shoes, clothing, or car tyres etc, it is not simply a matter of keeping your dog at home, or limiting their socialisation circles to prevent infection.  Particularly when we know that most household cleaners have no effect on its stubborn existence.

With the deadly nature of this virus in mind, compacted by the recent spike in confirmed cases, as a community service the Old Mill Animal Hospital are offering 20% off C3 and C5 vaccinations for local households until the end of October, 2014.  (And, whilst cats can’t catch the dog Parvovirus, we didn’t want our feline friends to feel left out so we have also applied the 20% off special to all cat vaccinations as well!)  If you haven’t already, now is the time to ensure your best friend is protected!

If you suspect that your dog may have contracted Parvovirus, it is essential you get them to the vet quickly, whilst observing some basic isolation measures.  Ring ahead and let the vet surgery know you’re coming with a possible Parvovirus patient and on your arrival, leave the dog in the car to alert staff of your arrival.  You may be shown through a separate entrance, or the dog may be stretchered to the isolation room, to avoid any infection spread.

The initial symptoms of Parvovirus begin about 7 – 10 days after exposure to the virus, and you may notice lethargy, a lack of interest in food, depressed demeanour and usually a fever.  The secondary symptoms of Parvovirus include bloody, liquid or yellowish diarrhoea and vomiting, which rapidly leads to severe dehydration.  Diarrhoea associated with Parvovirus tends to have a uniquely foul smell. 

A diagnosis of Parvovirus can be done in just 10 minutes with a simple test, however the treatment is quite complex and can be expensive.  The infected dog must be quarantined in intensive care for several days, remaining on IV fluids and a swag of medications.  Worst of all, even despite the best treatments, not all dogs survive parvovirus infection.  Early detection gives the dog a better chance of survival, however following vaccination schedules from the very first puppy vaccination onwards, is what you can do to really help your canine family members.

To arrange your dog or cat vaccinations at the special 20% off price, call the Old Mill Animal Hospital on 3425 2222 and mention this article.  Bulk litter vaccinations of puppies or kittens are excluded from this offer (because they are normally offered at a special rate already!). 

 

(For photo see our Facebook page.)