August 7, 2008

Dog owners in Pennsylvania are warned to vaccinate their dogs after a rash of Parvo cases have hit the Keystone State. (Pet Pulse Photo Illustration by Mike Lloyd)

PHILADELPHIA –- The Pennsylvania SPCA has issued a warning to pet owners to have their dogs vaccinated for Parvovirus, an often deadly canine viral disease.

“We’ve had many families bring their dogs to our clinic suffering from Parvo,” said PSPCA Director of Animal Health Dr. Ravi Murarka. “They don’t understand the severity of the disease or how to keep their dogs from contracting it.”

The PSPCA says it handled 25 cases of Parvo last week alone, well above the norm and the most they have had in one week.

Parvo, which affects puppies more often than adult dogs, is a virus that grows in rapidly dividing cells. It can develop in the heart, but is more common in the intestinal lining.

Symptoms of Parvo include lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea and high fever. The disease takes three-10 days to incubate, but once symptoms begin the progression of the disease is rapid.

Parvo is transmitted through the fecal matter of infected dogs. While it cannot be transmitted from dogs to humans and other animals, humans can carry the disease into their homes on their shoes and hands.

To protect your dog against Parvo, begin the vaccination process when the dog is six to eight weeks old. Do not allow puppies to play with other dogs, especially in dog parks and grassy areas, until two weeks after the last vaccine has been given.

“This is a series of shots, not just one vaccination,” Murarka said.

The vaccination schedule for puppies is at six, nine, 12, 15 and 18-weeks of age.

People are advised to keep all dogs, regardless of age, up to date on vaccines. Dogs who have never been vaccinated for Parvo must receive one shot, followed by a booster three weeks later. All dogs must then be vaccinated every year.

If you suspect that your home is contaminated with Parvo, disinfect all areas where your dog has been, using chlorine bleach, and clean up all stools in your yard.

If your dog has been infected with Parvo, keep it isolated from other dogs for at least one month after he or she has recovered. Be sure to disinfect any areas where the dog has been, since the virus can live for six months in a home or yard.

The PSPCA offers distemper vaccinations for $25 and rabies vaccinations costing $15.

“Parvo is deadly, but can be easily prevented with vaccinations,” said Dr. Murarka. “Treatment is expensive. Please do what you can to protect your dogs. Take them to your vet or the PSPCA’s animal hospital for vaccinations.”

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