A 10-week-old puppy named Norman has made a full recovery after receiving life-saving treatment at a Vets4Pets practice after being diagnosed with canine parvovirus.
Norman’s owners noticed vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and a reduced appetite. They brought Norman to the expert care of Vets4Pets, where he was diagnosed with canine parvovirus, a highly contagious viral disease which can be life-threatening.
The virus, which is often referred to as parvo, is most common in puppies under six months old. However, it can also affect older animals, especially dogs that have never been vaccinated against the disease or are not up to date with their annual boosters. It is spread by direct contact with infected dogs or areas contaminated with their saliva or faeces. Common signs include anorexia, depression and fever.
Norman spent seven days at the practice, undergoing an intensive treatment of fluid therapy, feeding via a nasogastric tube, antibiotics and anti-nausea medication. Thankfully, he has now made a full recovery and is living a happy and normal life.
Keith Leonard, Practice Owner and Veterinary Surgeon at Vets4Pets, added: “Successfully treating Norman is a brilliant result for the team, and a real testimony to their skill and dedication. Sadly, we have seen an increase in parvovirus cases recently. The best way to protect your dogs from parvovirus is to ensure they are fully vaccinated and up to date with their annual boosters.
“Puppies should receive their first course of vaccinations at 6-8 weeks old. Unfortunately, a lot of dogs with parvovirus won’t survive, even with intensive treatment - which is why it is so important to prevent the disease with vaccination in the first place.”
