Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are most at risk for infection. (submitted photo/Genevieve Candelora)

By Derek Cornet

Public warning

NAR warns of possible rise in parvovirus

Jul 16, 2019 | 2:00 PM

Northern Animal Rescue (NAR) wants the public to know about a possible rise in canine parvovirus infections in the tri-communities.

“It’s a really difficult situation because it’s so highly contagious,” NAR Chairperson Genevieve Candelora said. “We wanted to warn people about that and just let them know we have been seeing a bit of increase in case of people calling us with symptoms that are possibly parvo.”

Due to how quickly the virus can spread from one dog to another, Candelora stated NAR volunteers won’t be able to assist residents like they normally do with injured animals in such cases parvovirus is suspected. She also noted there are no veterinarians available in La Ronge, so if dog owners notice their pet isn’t behaving in a healthy manner, they should inquire with a vet to have tests done to confirm it.

“We just want to get it out there that parvovirus is around and it’s something all animals who are unvaccinated are at risk of contracting, especially this time of year,” Candelora said.

According to Dr. Dayle Borchardt, a clinical associate at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine, the parvovirus is one that is well-spread throughout the environment. She also added it is passed to other dogs through feces, which they pick up by sniffing around or grooming. Once a dog is infected, the virus attacks and kills the lining of the intestines leading to vomiting and diarrhea.

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Borchardt stated the virus will also travel to bone marrow and slow down the dog’s ability to fight the infection, which generally leads to the animal contracting other illnesses. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are particularly at risk for infection.

“It depends on the dog itself, how good their immunity to the parvovirus is and how good their reserves are,” she said. “Puppies are often hit much harder than adult dogs because they are smaller and have fewer reserves to draw on to stay healthy and tough it out.”

The best way to avoid your dog from becoming infected with parvovirus is through vaccination. Early treatment can also be effective if the animal is supported properly and kept in an enclosed space with plenty of access to water. There are cases, however, when the dog needs to be euthanized for its own benefit.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno