More commonly known in South Africa as ‘katgriep’, the virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in a dog’s body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract.
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness. An outbreak of the disease was reported last week by Mid South Coast Rising Sun.
We spoke with local veterinarians in Tzaneen about the illness. Dr Gert Kruger from Selati Dierekliniek, told the Herald, “this time of the year, we usually see an increase in parvovirus cases but in relation to previous years, there has been no marked increase.”
Although cases in Tzaneen do not seem to be increasing, it is important for all dog owners to be aware of the disease and know how to prevent it. More commonly known in South Africa as ‘katgriep’, the virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in a dog’s body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract.
Read: Outbreak of deadly virus kills dogs in KZN’s Scottburgh area
Kruger informed us that one of the most common symptoms is bloody diarrhoea as the epithelium of the gut begins to disintegrate. Further symptoms of parvovirus are lethargy, severe vomiting, loss of appetite and foul-smelling diarrhoea.
Parvovirus is extremely contagious and can be transmitted by any person, animal or object that comes in contact with an infected dog’s faeces. Furthermore, the virus can live in the environment for months, and may survive on inanimate objects such as food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors.
The virus can be prevented by vaccinating your dogs.
One common vaccine, called a “5-in-1,” protects the puppy from distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza.
The puppy must have its first vaccination at 5-6 weeks old and then two further injections at 3-4 week intervals thereafter. An annual “booster” is also required to protect your dog from the above mentioned illnesses.
Letaba Herald spoke with both veterinary surgeries in Tzaneen about the costs of the vaccination schedule. For the three vaccinations combined, the cost comes in at less than R1 000 per dog.
Read: If you want loyalty, buy a dog
It is common for an unvaccinated dog to contract parvovirus from the streets, especially in urban areas where there are many dogs.
Should your dog be showing the above mentioned symptoms, it is advisable to take them to your nearest veterinary practice immediately.
Sources: Citizen and Mid South Coast Rising Sun
