AT T E N T I O N * A L L * P E T * O W N E R S
The Veterinary Surgeons’ Board of WA and the ASAVA have both recently put out statements regarding unusually high numbers of parvovirus enteritis cases in WA and NSW.
Midwest Veterinary Centre is calling on all pet owners to make sure their pets are up to date with their vaccinations with the number of parvovirus cases on the rise in WA.
Geraldton has now been named a hot spot for this deadly disease in Australia and due to the excessive litters of unwanted puppies unfortunately the numbers only seem to be increasing each year. “This summer alone we have seen over six confirmed cases of the deadly virus” said Practice Manager Ebony Masotto. Midwest Vet Centre will be offering a free information night on March 3rd from 6:30-7:30pm to help educate our local region about how to prevent against parvo and ensuring your pup is in a safe environment.
Vaccines against canine parvovirus are highly effective and young puppies and dogs that have never been vaccinated are susceptible to the virus with death in around 80 per cent of untreated cases.
AVA spokesperson, Dr David Neck said that many pets’ lives are put at risk because they haven’t had the vaccinations they need to protect them from parvovirus. There’s a simple solution to preventing dogs from contracting the disease. Parvo is a virus that attacks the lining of the digestive system and prevents the dog from being able to properly absorb nutrients. Symptoms usually begin with a high fever, lethargy, depression, and loss of appetite. Secondary symptoms appear as severe gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and bloody diarrhea. In many cases, dehydration, shock, or death can follow.
“Parvovirus is highly contagious and is spread by oral or nasal contact with contaminated faeces in the environment or contaminated objects. It’s extremely resistant in the environment and can survive on objects like clothing, shoes and the floor for seven months or longer,” Dr Taylor said.
All puppies from six weeks of age should be vaccinated against parvovirus and other canine diseases. Follow up vaccinations are required and your vet can advise on what’s best in your area. Residents are urged to keep all puppies safe by not letting them outside of your fenced yard until they have received their vaccinations and are protected from the virus.
If your dog shows signs of lethargy, vomiting or diarrhoea, seek veterinary attention immediately. Early treatment is essential in improving the chance of survival.”
Help prevent the spread of Parvo by keeping infected dogs isolated from all other dogs for at least one month after recovering, by cleaning up your dog’s stool, and by using a 1 part chlorine bleach to 30 parts hot water disinfectant on food and water bowls, bedding, and on outdoor areas such as patios. If your pet is unvaccinated, do not take it to places where interaction with other dogs is likely. Parvovirus is specific to dogs and is not transmitted to humans.
Written By Ebony Masotto for Midwest Veterinary Centre.
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