Wikipedia Definition: Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a contagious virus affecting dogs. The disease is highly infectious and is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with feces. It can be especially severe in puppies.
My Definition: Hell. It is painful, attacks their immune system and will kill them quickly if not treated. Parvo makes them nauseous and they end up dehydrated. There is no "treatment" other than IV fluids and anti-nausea medication. It is expensive to treat and not guaranteed to cure.
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We have been very lucky- up until this week we have never had a puppy with Parvo in rescue. Which is really very good- Parvo is a devastating virus that can potentially kill. It is VERY contagious and is hard to kill. It can lie dormant in the ground even. Even vaccinated, healthy dogs can get it- although the risk is minimal. But you get unhealthy reserve puppies and it is bound to happen sooner or later. Unfortunately it has happened.
Reno was diagnosed on Thursday. Right away Vegas went into quarantine in case he too had it. Reno spent three days at the clinic on IV- and fortunately has survived and is now back at a foster home and recovering well. We are very grateful that he has made it, although he is not completely out of the woods yet- he will shed the virus for 10-14 days so is still in isolation. He is very lonely, and quite sad.
As of yesterday Vegas had been perfectly fine- although a little stressed about the loss of his brother and moving to a new foster home. This morning however we suspect that he too now has a full blown case of Parvo. We are devastated. We are almost 100% certain but will know after the Parvo test this afternoon. Poor Baby. Please keep your fingers crossed that he too will be strong enough to fight this.
We are still hopeful that the little yet-to-be-named puppy is healthy and Parvo free. As of right now he is showing no signs. However Parvo's incubation period is usually 10-14 days.
So- this brings us to the hard cold fact that we need help.
Reno's vet bill was just under $900.00 We unfortunately got a very small discount and as mentioned before it is very expensive to treat. We have the money for his bill- however we will be strapped for Vegas and are asking for monetary donations to help cover the costs. We are a completely volunteer run group with no charitable status- so if you need a receipt unfortunately we will be unable to take your donation.
However any small amount is helpful and will be greatly appreciated.
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We also are in need of supplies:
Pee Pads (the puppies are all in quarantine and cannot go outside),
Blankets and Bedding- we are throwing out soiled bedding as it is too risky to wash.
Medi-cal Gastro canned dog food- Reno is eating this exclusively right now until his stomach heals.
Bleach- one of the only things that will actually kill Parvo. We are going through GALLONS.
Mop Heads. Each Puppy has their own mop and bucket- over the past five days we have gone through four Vileda mop heads.
And toys- yes, toys. The puppies are bored- they can't have visitors and are lonely and sad. The toys can include soft, plushy toys, or kong like toys. They will either be thrown out or bleached upon recovery.
And of course- Money. We are in short supply of the green stuff and are going to be planning a fundraiser but at this point any donations will be appreciated.
If you are able to donate something please contact
Natalie at 381-2518 or Amanda via email manymuddypaws@yahoo.com
