Pontiac Sees Increase In Dog Virus

POSTED: 5:39 pm EDT September 7, 2008
UPDATED: 7:11 pm EDT September 7, 2008PONTIAC, Mich. — One local veterinarian said she’s noticed an alarming number of puppies and older dogs needing to be treated for a potentially fatal virus, with most cases coming out of Pontiac.

Oakland Veterinary Emergency Care vet Judith Fleishaker said the Parvovirus kills hundreds of dogs mostly because of improper vaccination.

“We can have a puppy die within 24 hours of showing symptoms. But with aggressive treatment IV fluids, antibiotics to get them through it, most of these puppies can make it,” Fleishaker said.

At most vets, a vaccination costs around $40.

“The three major symptoms that we’re going to see with Parvovirus are vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia, or not eating,” said Fleishaker.

Fleishaker said individuals should ask for documentation of that the dog has been vaccination against the virus before they get it.

“It is very contagious dog to dog but not contagious to people or other animals,” Fleishaker said.

Parvovirus can live up to a year on surfaces. The virus can be killed by mixing bleach and water to clean surfaces.

The Michigan Human Society holds free vaccination clinics. For more information visit the society’s Web site here.