This month’s Patient of the Month is really a story of bad
luck. Cagney, a 5 month old yorkie has certainly giving his pet parents a reason to celebrate this year. His family, having a history of rescuing and caring for animals did
everything right but still have a tough story to share.
Earlier
this year, after rescuing and treated a German Shepherd with Parvovirus his
family took the necessary precautions to treat the family areas and linens with
bleach.
Many
months later, they rescued another dog that surprised this family with 3
puppies; Bogart, Cagney and Chaplin. Being acutely aware of the realities of treating disease in
pets they were diligent in ensuring their home was safe and that the pups received
the appropriate medical and vaccine care. However, what our
owners were not aware of was just how persistent the Parvovirus can be.
Parvovirus is a hearty viral disease that is life
threatening to dogs and puppies. It is
transmitted from one animal to another through contact with infected feces. While bleach is the only thing that will kill
the virus it can live in the ground for several months. Shaded areas are considered
contaminated for seven months whereas areas with good sunlight exposure should
be considered contaminated for five months.
In order to remove Parvovirus from your yard there needs to be no living
material, such as grass or plants left. The ground must be saturated with a
solution of one part bleach to 32 parts water or one-half cup of bleach per
gallon of water.
Before our owners knew it, their puppies had picked up the Parvovirus
from their yard. All three pups were hospitalized in our intensive care and one
by one fought their fight. Sadly, not all were successful.
After a week of care, Cagney, the largest of the pups was sent
home. Perhaps it was his early vaccine boosters
that helped him battle this bug or perhaps simply his size but now, 5 months old
Cagney is doing well. Since the
incident, the family's 2 acre yard has been treated to the roots and the Parvovirus and
is believed to be clear.
This holiday season will certainly be one to celebrate. Cagney’s
is a story to educate on the voraciousness of the Parvovirus and the importance
of understanding all we can do to protect our animal community. Thank you to
Cagney’s family for letting us share this story and for partnering with us in
the care of your pets.
Happy Holidays!!
For more information about Canine Parvovirus: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/parvovirus