Parvovirus Outbreak Hits Surrey

Local vet Nazrene Moosa from the Knaphill branch of Pet Doctors is urging dog owners in the area to ensure their dogs are vaccinated against parvovirus after treating a Labrador puppy for the disease.  Fortunately, after intensive treatment at Pet Doctors’ Hospital in Woking, the chocolate Labrador survived and is now at home with his owners but she says parvovirus is a serious disease and is often fatal.  Other cases of the disease have been reported in recent months in both Hampshire and Kent.

Nazrene explained:  “Parvovirus attacks the lining of the dog’s digestive system, leaving it unable to absorb nutrients or liquid.  Symptoms include fever, lethargy, depression and loss of appetite. Typically, the illness develops to cause vomiting and diarrhoea.  In extreme cases, dehydration, shock and death can occur with the virus attacking the dog’s heart, causing heart failure.

The puppy had been very recently vaccinated but became ill suddenly.  He appears to have been extremely unlucky to have contracted the disease because he may have picked up the infection before he had fully responded to the vaccine.   He started vomiting then became listless and lethargic.  His owners brought him to us so we put him onto intravenous fluids and gave him full supportive treatment.  Fortunately, he responded well and has made a full recovery – probably because he was vaccinated which had given his body some immunity.  He’s still a lucky boy as puppies and older dogs are particularly susceptible.”

Pet Doctors is urging dog owners to take the threat seriously and ensure their pets are protected.  “The financial cost of treating dogs affected by parvovirus can be huge and the suffering caused to infected dogs is terribly distressing,” comments Nazrene.  “Vaccination offers a level of protection to dogs at a fraction of the cost so we appeal to owners to ensure their dogs are vaccinated and to be vigilant for the symptoms.  If they have any concerns, they should consult their veterinary surgeon immediately.”

For further information about Parvovirus, contact your veterinary surgeon.

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