PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – The Parvo virus in dogs has been running rampant in the panhandle lately. If left untreated, it can cause catastrophic symptoms in dogs, especially puppies.
We spoke to a local veterinarian and owner of Magnolia Bay Animal Hospital, Dr. Carsen Tierney, who explained, “Parvo is a virus you tend to see in puppies. You can see in it in older dogs as well, but you tend to see it in puppies who are immune compromised, and don’t have their immunity yet. Basically, it goes in and attacks the villi in the intestines and basically makes it to where they can’t absorb nutrients. You tend to see puppies become anemic with it as it moves into their bone marrow, and they tend to almost die from starvation as sad as that is.”
Amy Shepherd, the founder of Heartland Rescue Ranch, tells us, “My vet in Chipley last week said they saw at least nineteen cases. That’s been at least every week for at least a month. It’s just been unreal. In the past 6 years I’ve seen maybe three cases but then within the last month I mean we have taken in, I mean I think I’ve lost count, but I think we’ve taken in at least 25 puppies that were positive.”
When asked how much treating a puppy with Parvo cost, Shepherd said anywhere between $1500 to $2500. Her vet has been very successful with medication, but one dose of medication costs $500.
Dr. Tierney advised that the best way to prevent the virus is to take your puppy to the vet as soon as you bring it home.
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