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Friday, August 29, 2008

Parvo



At Great Lakes Weimeraner Rescue we do our best to keep up with the latest medical information and happenings.

As we hear about new happenings and/or outbreaks we will post them on our Medical Blog.

Parvo is a very dangerous and devastating illness for all dogs.

http://workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm

Lynn, one of our volunteers, has heard about a Parvo outbreak.


I received this from one of the vet's in Grand Rapids
There has been a lot of press around suspected outbreak of parvo in west Michigan.

The west Mich. vets released this official response to the Grand Rapids press on 08/26/2008:West Michigan Academy of Small Animal Practitioners called an emergency meeting of local veterinarians to discuss current concerns regarding canine parvo virus in our pet population.

Parvo viral infection has been prevalent in the canine population since the early 1980s. This disease causes severe vomiting and diarrhea that can lead to life threatening dehydration. Dogs that contract this infection and are not properly treated will usually die from canine parvo viral infection. Thirty-six area veterinarians gathered and compared results of current research articles, incidence of infection and methods of protection for our canine pets. These are our results:There has NOT been an obvious increase in the number of canine parvoviral infections in properly immunized dogs this season.

However, dogs that are not appropriately vaccinated may run a very high risk of parvo viral infection. This disease is a potentially devastating, life-threatening illness.There have been no confirmed cases of the new C2 strain of canine parvo virus in Michigan. This strain of the virus has been isolated in Europe and in 12 other US states and has been present for 7+ years.Currently, it appears that properly immunized dogs are protected from the C2 strain of parvo virus. It is imperative that dogs be properly immunized in order to have the best chance of protection from all forms of parvo virus.

All the vaccines currently being used by area veterinarians are protective against the 2C strain of parvov irus(providing the proper vaccination protocols are followed).Unvaccinated puppies and unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated adults dogs are at greatest risk for parvo virus and should be seen by their veterinarian as soon as possible.Proper immunization protocol:-Puppies should be vaccinated beginning at 4 to 8 weeks and then vaccinated every 2 to 4 weeks until the puppies are older than 16weeks (4 months) of age.-After 16 weeks of age, the adult dog should be vaccinated 1 year later and then at appropriate intervals as described by your veterinarian.-An unvaccinated or inappropriately vaccinated adult dog should receive a series of two vaccinations given 2 to 4 weeks apart.

Vaccines must be stored and administered properly =96 the vaccine will not be effective if inappropriately handled.-Vaccines should only administered to completely healthy dogs. Dogs that are unfit, unhealthy or suffering from parasites may not respond to the vaccine.-Veterinary consultation, full physical examination of the pet, and proper vaccination are important for full protection against this disease.It is very important to make sure that the pet owner=92s boarding facilities, grooming salons, day care centers and dog parks are practicing preventive care by requiring the pets in their facilities to be properly immunized against all of the highly communicable or life threatening diseases.

For dogs those diseases are:Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo virus, Rabies and Bordetella Bronchiseptica (also known as Kennel Cough or Canine Cough). In addition, the pet owner should proceed with caution when exposing their dogs to facilities that have no strict vaccination requirements.Parvo virus is a very serious and robust virus and can survive for years in the environment.

Consult with your local veterinary office for specifics about cleaning and disinfection of the environment if your pet has been exposed to parvo virus.Your veterinarian is the best source of information regarding pet health and prevention of communicable disease. If you do not have a veterinarian, the Kent County Humane Society can help you find a veterinarian in your area that will answer your questions and help to keep your pets healthy.

Please keep your dogs healthy! Have them vaccinated or titer them for Parvo to make sure they have full immunity.

The Great Lakes Weim Rescue Family.