Fw: Hello Bully Special Edition Newsletter

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HELLO BULLY SPECIAL EDITION NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2010 Canine Parvovirus. The word elicits fear in the hearts of knowledgeable dog owners, but for those who aren't familiar with it - the results can be devastating.  Currently in the Pittsburgh area, this disease is becoming widely spread and the end result is the painful death of many dogs. Emergency hospitals around the region are seeing an alarming number of advanced Parvo cases, that even with very aggressive treatment and hospitalization, are resulting in the loss of beloved pets. Other areas are also reporting high numbers of Parvo cases this year.   Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious and often fatal disease which is caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies and dogs, destroying the cells and making it difficult for the body to absorb vital nutrients. As these cells that line the intestinal tract are sloughed, it can leave the pet open to secondary bacterial infection. The first clinical signs of Parvovirus include: lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody with a very foul odor to it), which present roughly 5-10 days after contact with the virus. As the stages advance, the clinical signs worsen and without treatment, likely results in death. Mortality rates for untreated Parvovirus stand at 90%. It was once thought that only young puppies were susceptible to Parvovirus, but we now know this to be false. Older, unvaccinated dogs are at risk, as well as younger dogs. Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans and Labs are breeds that are more prone to the virus. Many of the cases currently seen by Emergency vet clinics in our region have been primarily Pit Bulls. Parvo is contracted via contact with fecal matter or vomit from an infected dog. This makes dog parks, where vaccine records for dogs are not checked, breeding grounds for such viruses. There is no cure for Parvo, only treatment of the symptoms that it causes. There is no guarantee that a pet who has contracted this disease will recover, even with the most aggressive treatment. This is why it is vital to keep up with vaccines for our canine companions. Our dogs rely on us alone to keep them safe and healthy, please keep your pet away from unsanitary public places and always make sure your vaccines are up to date. If finances are an issue, you can purchase vaccines online and administer them yourself. There is a risk if your dog has an adverse reaction to the vaccine. You can read about vaccinating at home at  Doctors Foster & Smith. In some states, certain vaccines must be administered by a licensed veterinarian, please check your state laws. Special thanks to Rachel Tribley for this informative and important article.

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