Warning as dog virus strikes

Angela Wyatt’s American bulldog cross Panda died after contracting parvovirus in December. 

“She was the most perfect dog I have ever owned. The unconditional love she had for me was mind blowing,” she said.

Australia’s national pet disease surveillance system Disease Watchdog recorded 158 cases across the country in the two months to December 19.

Signs of the potentially life-threatening and easily spread disease included lethargy, vomiting or diarrhoea. 

“Panda had her inoculations. Even though she was a big dog she was still only a puppy,” Ms Wyatt said.

Bendigo Animal Hospital vet Zoe Blank did not treat Panda but said there there were cases of inoculated dogs dying because of parvovirus. 

In those cases the dog’s body could have been genetically predisposed to reject the immunisation, or a puppy could have been immunised too young, she said.

The Australian Veterinary Association’s David Neck advised anyone who noticed their dog was displaying signs of the virus to immediately seek veterinary advice, especially if they lived in areas where cases had been reported.

“Research shows that around 80 per cent of untreated cases of parvovirus result in death,” Dr Neck said.

“Puppies from six-weeks-of-age should be vaccinated to protect them from parvovirus and other diseases.

“Follow up vaccinations are required and until these have been completed puppies should be kept away from any areas where parvovirus outbreaks are known to have recently occurred,” he said.

Parvovirus organisms lived in the soil and there was often a spike in cases at this time of year, according to Dr Blank.

“I normally say to people that the virus can stay dormant in the realms of anywhere up to five years. It can lay dormant until the right weather conditions and a dog that is susceptible,” she said.

Dr Neck said early treatment was essential to improving the chance of a dog’s survival.

“So getting your dog to the vet as soon as possible is critical. If you’re unsure of the vaccination status of your pet, you should speak to your vet,” he said.