TRURO - A local vet says a potentially fatal virus affecting mostly puppies and elderly dogs is in the Truro area.
Melissa Aucoin, a vet at the Truro Veterinary Hospital, says a "cluster" of parvo virus cases has been seen in Truro. She said about 20 cases have come to that one vet hospital alone in the last year, the most recent one about a week ago.
The virus attacks the intestine and bone marrow of dogs so that the affected animal can't absorb nutrients and fluids. Early symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a lack of appetite, very lethargic, severe dehydration and bloody stool.
"It can be fatal if pet owners leave it too long. We've had people try to treat their dog at home and it was fatal," said Aucoin.
Diagnosis is easy and done through a fecal sample. If an advanced case arrives at the vet, the animal could potentially be in hospital for up to five days.
The financial cost is great as well, said Aucoin. "It can be (at least) $1,800," due to bloodwork, the dog's stay in intensive care, needing IV fluids and medication. "But they can do well if properly treated," said the vet.
Aucoin said puppies and elderly dogs are most at risk if not vaccinated, in part because of their compromised immune system.
"Vaccinations are 100 per cent effective," said Aucoin, especially a series of vaccinations in puppies.
mchiasson@trurodaily.com
Cluster of parvo virus cases found in Truro-area canines
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Published on
December 14, 2009
- Published on February 25, 2010
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Monique Chiasson
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Comments
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- Brian
- - March 1, 2010 at 15:40:04
Vaccinations are 100 per cent effective, said Aucoin, especially a series of vaccinations in puppies
nice plug!! -
- Sarah
- - March 1, 2010 at 15:39:41
Too bad the Truro Vet charges exuberant fees for it's services.
I highly recommend the New Glasgow Vet. It's a short drive and the savings are highly worth the time and added gas expenses. -
- Mark
- - March 1, 2010 at 15:39:37
This information is incorrect: vaccinations are NOT 100% effective against Parvo. We've helped treat over 3,000 dogs (and cats) suffering from Parvo during the past two and a half years, and many of those who have developed full Parvo symptoms have been fully vaccinated and up-to-date on all their shots - and this includes adult dogs up to five years old as well as puppies. In actual fact, the chemicals in vaccinations (and dewormers and commercial dog food) will weaken and compromise their immune systems.
