Every summer, the veterinary staff of Ellwood and Chippewa Animal Hospitals see cases of Parvovirus gastrointestinal disease. Some of the animals die from the illness, while others require costly hospital care.
This summer is actually unique in that there is an increase in the number of Parvovirus cases in dogs in the Lawrence and Beaver County area. The unfortunate thing is that many of the pet owners who have unvaccinated or under-vaccinated dogs are low income clients or those who feel they cannot afford a vet visit. Without current vaccines, 100% of exposed dogs contract some form of the virus. Once infected, the cost of treatment averages $700-1000. The cost of vet visits and the vaccine series to prevent the disease is under $100.
This blog entry is a reminder to all pet owners to check their pets’ current vaccine status. If you are uncertain about your pet’s level of protection, you can have blood testing performed. This test is called blood titering. Blood titers tell us if your pet has current active immunity.
If you have administered your own vaccines or have had a breeder tell you that your pet was already vaccinated, please check with us about blood titering rather than assuming a pet is protected. Our offices have seen several cases of Parvovirus in pets which were presumed to be protected, but became ill from the virus.
Parvovirus symptoms include severe vomiting, diarrhea, inappetance and secondary infections, such as pneumonia. Often the feces are bloody and pets become very weak. Pets can die suddenly from heart infection.
The course of the virus is 7-10 days, during which time pets can contract the disease without direct dog to dog contact. When a pet has the virus and for about 30 days after recovery, the viral organisms can be spread in the vomitus and fecal matter. Organisms can remain infectious in the soil long after the stool washes away from the rain.
Please be sure that your pets are fully protected and avoid unnecessary stress and expense of treating an easily preventable illness.