Increase in Cases of Parvovirus in Treasure Valley
What is parvovirus?
Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus transmitted in the feces. All dogs are susceptible but puppies are most likely to be affected.
Is it treatable?
Parvo cases can have a high success rate of treatment if treatment is initiated early on in the disease process. However, the cost ranges anywhere from $500-$3000. Much higher than the cost of the puppy series of vaccine or the annual vaccination. Also, the sooner we see and treat the animal the better the prognosis. Dogs and puppies get dehydrated very quickly from the vomiting and diarrhea caused by the virus. There are a number of potential complications due to the dehydration and the other effects of the virus.
Is it preventable?
Almost 100%. It requires a series of 3-4 vaccinations as a puppy and yearly boosters thereafter. This vaccine is included in the typical yearly vaccine so those dogs seeing a veterinarian regularly for vaccines should be protected.
The Idaho Statesman has an article further discussing the increased number of cases in the valley.
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