Warning to Plett pet owners
Article by Candice Ludick, Knysna-Plett Herald journalist
Plettenberg Bay pets are currently under threat, following a reported outbreak of the canine parvovirus, commonly referred to as parvo.
The Plettenberg Bay Animal Welfare Service (PAWS) has urged pet owners to note that the parvovirus is highly contagious and can be fatal. According to PAWS, animals younger than a year are at the greatest risk.
Jannie Naudè of Plettenberg Bay Veterinary Clinic said that he would not classify the situation as an “outbreak”. He explained that parvo is more prevalent during the summer season, and as such one would expect cases at this time of year.
Naudè stressed the importance of veterinary attention for infected dogs.
He said that only two out of ten un-hospitalised dogs will survive parvo, but if hospitalised, eight out of ten dogs will survive.
It is therefore critically important that infected dogs are hospitalised, usually for a period of three to five days.
PAWS suggested vaccination in order to minimise the risk.
Naudè said that it was “almost exclusively” unvaccinated dogs that fall prey to parvo.
Symptoms of infection with Parvovirus include a lack of energy, no appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea, usually accompanied
by bloody stools. Pets exhibiting any of these symptoms, especially a lack of appetite, should receive immediate veterinary attention, advised PAWS.
According to PAWS, puppies should be vaccinated at eight weeks old, kittens at four weeks and both puppies and kittens should have a booster vaccination at ten to 16 weeks old, and again one year later. PAWS said that Dobermans and Rottweilers were particularly susceptible to parvovirus and should receive additional boosters.
Interested and affected parties are advised to consult a veterinarian for further information.
Source: Knysna-Plett Herald