Today will be filled with conflicting emotions in the Notariani household. Late last night, DD#1 woke us with a dreadful call. Her puppy, around 16 weeks old, had to be put down. Jeckyl (his name) had become ill. Rather than wait until Monday, she took him to an emergency vet. Unfortunately, he had Parvovirus. It's awful when a beloved pet is so ill. The vet explained that he likely had been born infected. She's heartbroken. Her older dog has been vaccinated, but there is still a small risk that she could be infected. She'll find out Monday when she goes in for her test.
I regularly dog-sit, and that put our own Shepherd at risk. He, too, has been vaccinated, but we took him today for a test. Thankfully, he tested negative. Parvovirus is extremely contagious - and infections take over quickly. Treatment ranges from $1000 - $4000, so it is quite expensive. There is no cure for parvovirus; instead, symptoms are treated through antibiotics and IV fluids. Sometimes, plasma is given as well among other meds. Full treatment boasts a 75% survival rate, but the $60 (max) vaccination fees pale in comparison to the high cost of treatment. It is imperative to have your pets vaccinated to prevent this devastating illness.
I haven't been able to conjure any words today. Tomorrow will be better.
~ Nadja
I am so sorry to hear this. We'd been through this twice with two puppies. One was ours. The other was a stray that we decided to treat anyway.
ReplyDeleteI was a vet tech in an earlier life so I knew how to give IVs. And I was available 24 hours a day. Puppies especially need round the clock care.
The first puppy survived Parvo. Unfortunately, he was done in by distemper - another virus he picked up from the pound.
The second puppy did not survive Parvo.
Since then I'm hesitant to take on any other puppy unless he's already been exposed to the virus. Once you have the virus, you earn immunity.
Most adult dogs who have been vaccinated regularly are not in danger. But there is a risk factor up to three years of age. Past that age, they probably have enough vaccine to keep them protected.
I know what you guys are going through. It's a horrible disease. I am so sorry.
Thank you so much, Maria. I remember when you lost your little guy...it's difficult. My heart still goes out to you.
DeleteI lost a German Shepard puppy to parvo when I was younger ... I'm so sorry!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Juliana. I'm sorry to hear how many others have had to deal with parvovirus. I had never encountered the disease before this with any pet I've owned.
DeleteI'm so sorry about the puppy. My little darling was given to us with Parvo, and it was horrible. I'm really not sure how she made it. Lots of love to you and the family <3
ReplyDeleteWith treatment, there is a good chance of survival - if the illness is caught in time. It comes on so quickly, though. Glad to hear of your happy ending.
DeleteI am so sorry to hear this. As someone who seems to have a terrible run with pets, I know only too well what it is like. Hugs to you all.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. :}
DeleteIt's so sad to lose a pet, especially when said pet is still the adorable little puppy/kitten that caused the addiction in the first place. As a kid, I only had a couple of fish. They didn't last long because my older sister's angel fish killed them. It's not fun at all to lose any kind of pet.
ReplyDeleteWe lost a dog, a pit-bull/husky mix to old age last year. It was awful, as she was like a family member. But at least I knew she had a long, good life. This was different.
DeleteI'm so, so sorry. I had to have a beloved cat put to sleep a few years ago, and I was heartbroken. My heart goes out to your family.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, everyone, for your sympathy. Today is much better. It was a shock. He went from running around to quite ill in a day. My daughter is taking it better today, too.
ReplyDeleteI'll be back full force by Wednesday's check-in. I've got some serious work to catch up on. Hope you are all having a great new week.
My heart goes out to you and your family. It sounds like the family is taking things one day at a time. And with time, healing from the pain. Big hugs to you all!
ReplyDelete{{hugs}} to the whole family, especially your daughter.
ReplyDeleteOh no! I'm sorry to hear that. {{hugs}} to all of you.
ReplyDeleteThe shock of the first day is so hard, as you say. I work with a sanctuary and am a permanent foster parent for two, older animals. Thanks to you and yours for caring so much for animals.
ReplyDeleteKaren