FENLAND: Dog owners warned about killer illness

DOG owners are being warned that their beloved pet could die from the killer Parvovirus, if it is not vaccinated. Already we have seen more than 35 cases this year, said Shoned Hawksworth of Wisbech Vetsavers. Canine Parvovirus is a killer but can be p

DOG owners are being warned that their beloved pet could die from the killer Parvovirus, if it is not vaccinated.

"Already we have seen more than 35 cases this year," said Shoned Hawksworth of Wisbech Vetsavers.

"Canine Parvovirus is a killer but can be prevented if your dog is vaccinated. It is more common in puppies but can be seen in older unvaccinated dogs.

"Symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting, and unwell dogs can stop eating. These symptoms will get progressively worse if not treated, and there is a 91per cent chance the dog will not survive."

She said treatment involves hospitalisation, placing on intravenous fluids, pain relief and antibiotics, but there however there is only a 20 per cent chance of survival.