NorthStar Vets warns of parvovirus
by Katie Pfaff
A New Jersey veterinary hospital has issued an alert that cases of parvovirus have been on the rise. NorthStar Vets of Robbinsville, NJ, has noted that cases of the disease have been increasing across the United States.
“It's possible that we're seeing a more virulent and/or debilitating strain in the United States, but this particular virus is easy to prevent with vaccinations, which are extremely effective in preventing the progression and dissemination of the virus,” said Steven Berkowitz, DVM, DACVECC, a critical care specialist at NorthStar VETS. “Parvovirus can remain on surfaces for up to six weeks, so cleaning surfaces with which pets come into contact is equally important, and positive cases should be isolated from all unvaccinated or at-risk dogs.”
Canine Parvovirus 2 is a GI disease most often seen in young dogs, and can be spread between dogs or in the environment. The disease is marked by symptoms of abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, lack of appetite, lethargy, and vomiting.
“We want pet parents to be aware that untreated Parvovirus has a fatality rate of more than 90 percent, and to consider vaccinating their at-risk pets to prevent spread of this highly contagious disease,” said Deborah Mara, VMD, an critical care and emergency veterinarian at NorthStar VETS, and Sarah Burns, RT (MR) (ARRT), certified veterinary technician. “Vaccination can be performed by their regular veterinarian.”
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