FOUNDER of a Pinetown animal rescue organisation, Karen Janisch urges pet owners to vaccinate their dogs. This, after eight puppies died of canine parvovirus recently.
Janisch described parvo as every animal rescue organisation’s worst nightmare. According to Janisch, the virus has always been around but at the moment the vicious and ruthless disease seems to be on the rise.
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Blue Bundu Brigade is a Pinetown shelter which rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes dogs. “We currently have about 50 puppies or dogs in our care,” she said.
How the virus spreads
Speaking to the Highway Mail, Janisch said this virus is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or by indirect contact with a contaminated object.
“Your puppy is exposed to the parvovirus every time he sniffs, licks, or consumes infected faeces. Indirect transmission occurs when a person who has recently been exposed to an infected dog touches your puppy, or when a puppy encounters a contaminated object, like a food or water bowl, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs.
“Even you can be a carrier, as if you walk through an infected area, you can carry the citrus on your shoes totally unaware,” she warned.
Janisch mentioned the virus affects all dogs, but stated that unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than four months of age are at the most risk to contract it.
“The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and creates a loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and often severe, bloody diarrhea. Extreme dehydration can come on rapidly and kill a dog within 48 to 72 hours, so prompt veterinary attention is crucial,” explained the animal lover.
According to Janisch, there is no cure, “So keeping the dog hydrated and controlling the secondary symptoms can keep him going until his immune system beats the illness. With parvo, chance of survival is always 50/50.”
The importance of vaccination
Janisch reported that they started noticing this outbreak when fellow rescuers had four puppies been fostered in the Wellbedacht, Chatsworth area.
“Sadly three puppies passed away on January, 24. In February, we had five of passing away with due to the virus.
“When puppies come to us, they are vaccinated if age appropriate. All puppies are dewormed irrespective of age as most have never been dewormed and usually infested that often require more than one treatment,” said a heartbroken Janisch.
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After the death of the puppies, the shelter was left with a R31 000 vet bill which has been brought down to about R15 000, thanks to donations, fund-raising and adoptions.
Janisch said they were told by one of the veterinarians that the strain of parvo doing its rounds is harsher than usual and they have battled to treat puppies with the virus.
“Our puppies suffered from parvo, but had complications of neurological abnormalities, seizures and heart irregularities,” she said.
They were immune compromised and very young.
She expressed the importance of vaccinating puppies at the correct age and intervals.
“Once puppies have received their three vaccinations it should then be done yearly. Please don’t miss any of the puppy vaccinations. It’s a good foundation and vital for each puppy to build up a good immunity,” advised Janisch.
Kloof and Highway SPCA’s Janine Kyle said parvo is a serious virus.
“On Saturday afternoon, I personally witnessed two cases and our after-hours inspector, Eric Simamane had to come out and do a test for parvo.
“Sadly, both puppies were positive for parvo and very ill. It is vital that people are aware of the need to vaccinate puppies to prevent this devastating disease,”
She advised that when residents are given a puppy from someone whose dog has had a litter of puppies, they should ensure they check on the health and if any of the previous litters have died of parvo.
“Parvo can also live on surfaces for weeks, months or even years if the area is not disinfected properly,” she said.
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