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Parvo sweeps across UK

Issue: 06/04/2018

Owners warned to be vigilant

Parvovirus is sweeping through the UK and dog owners have been told to be alert to the symptoms.
Cases of the deadly disease have been reported in Cumbria, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Northumbria.
A vet in Huddersfield told The Mirror about two cases he had seen in the past week. Martin Paterson said, 'This week... we have seen two dogs from completely different backgrounds, each suffering from Parvovirus.
'As the name suggests, parvovirus is caused by a virus and it can be highly contagious and, sadly, it can be fatal.
'The virus attacks cells in a dog's intestines and stops them from being able to absorb vital nutrients. This means that a dog or puppy will become very weak and dehydrated.'
Other symptoms of the disease include foul-smelling diarrhoea with blood in it, vomiting, loss of appetite, collapse, depression, fever and sudden death.
Young puppies and unvaccinated dogs are most at risk of becoming victims and puppies can also suffer from secondary infections.

Quickly

The disease can spread very quickly as it can take up to a week for a dog show symptoms and it could have spread the infection via body fluids, faeces or vomit. Vets describe the virus as being 'extremely hardy'.
Vets say that the first 48 hours are critical if a dog is to be saved. Anti-viral medication can save a dog if they are diagnosed in time but it doesn't always work.
These new cases of parvovirus follow more cases of the deadly Alabama Rot. With more cases of the flesh-eating disease reported vets have advised owners to keep their dogs away from mud.
The cause of Alabama Rot is unknown but it is believed to thrive in cold, wet soil. Symptoms include skin lesions, sore skin, tiredness and vomiting. The disease causes kidney failure and it can cause a dog to deteriorate very quickly and they can die within a week.


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