Eric’s Parvovirus Success

Eric is a 3 month old Cocker Spaniel puppy who initially presented to us as a very poorly 2 month old puppy. Since settling in his new home Eric became very quiet, lethargic and dull. He also started with watery diarrhoea as well as feeling nauseous and being off his food.

Eric was diagnosed with Canine Parvovirus.

Due to the aggressive nature and corresponding guarded prognosis of the disease, Eric was admitted to the hospital for intensive care and treatment. Eric was placed on an intravenous drip to rehydrate him and he was also treated with anti-vomiting medication, anti-acids and antibiotics.   In these cases, it is very important to ensure that they receive adequate nutrition and as Eric was inappetant he had a naso-gastric feeding tube placed which is a thin, flexible tube delivered through one of his nostrils, entering his oesophagus and into his stomach to allow the feeding of a liquid diet.

Having spent 1 week in the hospital Eric had started to eat of his own accord and seemed much brighter and very vocal!!! Eric had his feeding tube removed and was discharged and went home to spend some time with his new family. Unfortunately for Eric, he became a little poorly again at home. He stopped eating and started to pass very watery diarrhoea again and wasn’t very active or keen to play as a normal puppy would be. Thankfully, Eric has some lovely parents who really helped him along his way and syringe fed him every 3 hours through the day and night and ensuring he was eating enough and getting his antibiotics effectively. He really was a real baby puppy!

Eric continued to visit us at the clinic on a daily basis for regular check-ups until almost 1 month later when Eric had finished his antibiotics and was well enough to restart his vaccination course and was back to full health and once again a very bright and happy little puppy!

If you would like further information regarding parvovirus or canine vaccinations please ask one of the vets.

Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs.  CPV can manifest itself in two different forms; more commonly, the enteric form caused by is characterised by vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss and anorexia.  The majority of CPV cases seen in the UK are in puppies between 6 weeks and 6 months of age.  CPV is primarily transmitted through contact with infected dogs or cats or the environment.  There is no specific treatment of the disease, only treatment of the clinical signs and the disease carries a high mortality rate.  CPV is one of the main viruses we can vaccinate dogs for in the UK and is a completely preventable disease.

Posted 12th November 2015