Parvo: Puppy Killer
Parvo is an absolutely devastating, highly-contagious viral canine disease. It most often strikes puppies, and typically, those infected with Parvo have only a 50% chance of survival. Puppies and adult dogs are usually vaccinated against Parvo, but shelter pups, who have often never received their puppy shots, are extremely susceptible to this terrible disease.
It is also extremely easy to spread Parvo, and the virus itself is extremely hardy. Most disinfectants don't kill it, and it can live in the environment for five months or longer.
In puppies, the virus usually takes about 7-10 days to incubate, which means that up to a week may pass after exposure before the puppy shows symptoms, or before the pup tests positive for parvo. The first symptoms of Parvo usually include a high fever, lethargy, depression, and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, symptoms include vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Left untreated, the disease progresses to dehydration, shock and death. For more excellent information about Parvo, please visit the
Working Dogs website.
Parvo Pup Needs Your Help!
Recently, I received an urgent plea for some pups at the
St. Martin Parish Animal Control Facility. Three pups came in, and over the course of just a couple days, their physical health rapidly deteriorated. A kind soul brought the sickly pups to the vet, where they were diagnosed with Parvo. Unfortunately, as of this morning, two of the puppies have died. Their young systems just couldn't beat this devastating disease. One puppy is fighting to survive.
This little girl,
444518, is a baby rottweiler mix, and she's fighting for her life to survive.
Given the severity of the disease, the costs for treating the puppies, both the puppies that didn't make it, and the one puppy that is fighting for her life, are going to be enormous.
If you have a few spare dollars, please consider donating it to help offset the costs of treating the pups.
Donations can be made to the
St. Martin Humane Society. Please note that the donation is for the "parvo pups."All donations are tax deductible.
If you can't donate, please consider cross-posting this plea for help, or please send your prayers and/or good vibes to the one pup fighting for her life.
UPDATE 3/20: I'm very sad to report that the remaining "Parvo pup" has gone over the Bridge. She appeared to be doing a little bet better, and then she was gone. Thank you to anyone who donated, cross-posted, or sent prayers or good thoughts to the sick puppies.In loving memory of the two babies who didn't make it. May you find love, health, and peace at the Bridge.
Just look at this gorgeous dog! Penny is a female American Pit Bull Terrier who is in need of a new home. She's about 10-12 months old, weighs about 40 lbs., and is up to date on vaccinations and spayed.
