At least 5 Berks dogs have died from parvo since June

A new puppy can bring a lot of joy to a family, but an unvaccinated one can be devastating.

Canine parvovirus, commonly known as parvo, can cause the death of a puppy within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. The easy-to-spread virus grows locally on its ugly head and can usually be prevented by a vaccine.

The Berks Animal Emergency and Reference Center in Shillington recorded 19 parvo cases in August and 22 in total since July 21st, according to Rachael Andrew, a veterinary technician. She said that they usually see about 10 dogs a year with Parvo.

Three dogs died, two were hospitalized and the rest received ambulatory care, she said.

Andrew Andrew added that the majority of cases came from the city of Reading, adding that the breeders told the owners that their puppies were up to date with shooting, but that they had not received any proof .

"If it's not written, it will not happen," said Damon March, director of operations at Humane Pennsylvania, who oversees the Humane Society of Berks County, 1801 N. 11th St., and Hospitals veterinary Humane, 1729 N. 11th. St. "If the vaccination is carried out by a licensed veterinarian, there will be administrative formalities."

Another possibility is that the puppy has been up-to-date on vaccines at the time of sale, but requires follow-up vaccines to obtain the greatest possible immunity.

Dr. Alicia Simoneau, chief veterinarian of Humane Veterinary Hospitals, said the number of vaccines needed depends on the age of the canine.

"For parvo, we would vaccinate at 8, 11, 14 and 17 weeks," she said.

Older puppies may need fewer shots and an adult dog should have a shot and a booster.

Andrew said that she recommends taking three sets of vaccines before allowing a puppy to go out in public.

"Despite a proper vaccination, a small percentage of dogs do not develop protective immunity and remain susceptible to infections," says the website of the American Veterinary Medical Association, www.avma.com. org.

Simoneau said Monday that some breeds, such as Rottweilers, are known not to develop total immunity from vaccines.

"If they receive a parvo after being vaccinated, it will be a less severe form," Simoneau said. "Think of it as a vaccine against the flu."

March stated that there had been no parvo cases seen at the Reading Hospital during the last month and two at the HSBC hosting center, which did not occur. is not unusual.

On Monday, the Animal Rescue League of Berks County issued a statement that there have been eight cases of parvo in the shelter of the town of Cumru since June and that two of the infected people have died. All parvo dogs came from Reading, said Jennifer Breton, Marketing Director at ARL.

A telephone survey of nine other veterinary clinics Berks revealed that a few other cases had been seen recently, but not as much as BAERC or ARL.

What is Parvo

"The virus affects the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and is spread through direct contact from dog to dog and through contact with contaminated stool (feces), environments or people," says AVMA. "The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, as well as the hands and clothing of people handling infected dogs." It resists heat, cold , the moisture and drying, and can survive in the environment during The virus is easily transmitted from one place to another on the hair or feet of dogs, or via cages, shoes or other contaminated objects. "

There is no cure for parvovirus, only supportive treatment.

"With proper treatment, survival rates can reach 90%," says AVMA.

Typical treatment involves administering fluids to the infected dog, taking medication to stop vomiting and diarrhea, and keeping the animal at a comfortable temperature.

"Many people can not afford to go to hospital," Andrew said on Monday.

She said that a man who came delivered his puppy to the ARL so that he could receive treatment. Breton said that she had no information on the assignment.

The signs of parvo are: vomiting, lethargy, not eating and diarrhea (especially bloody diarrhea).

"Most deaths from parvovirus occur within 48 to 72 hours of the onset of clinical signs," says AVMA. You should therefore immediately contact a veterinarian if symptoms occur.

Information provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association

Canine Parvovirus explained by Reading_Eagle on Scribd

Parvovirus information

PARVOVIRUS CANINO (Espanol) from Reading_Eagle on Scribd