The Wrangell vet, Dr. “Judge” Conniff, confirms that there are cases of canine parvovirus in Wrangell.
Judge says two dogs with canine parvovirus were brought into his office Thursday.
Click here for iFriendly audio.
“Basically parvo is a virus. If your dog contracts it, it’s going to run its course. What we do is treat symptomatically, just to keep the dog alive through the course of the disease. Usually that will require some hospitalization time,” says Judge.
He says the signs of parvo include diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. There have been other recent cases of parvo in Wrangell.
“This could have been the same disease that we have seen for the last two years. It seems to be a fairly mild form of parvo, but it has killed several dogs in town if it is the same disease, and we certainly want to prevent that,” says Judge.
Judge says he’s keeping the two contagious dogs in his office. For that reason, he’s not letting anyone bring their pets in right now.
“I probably won’t let anybody come into the office before Monday. I do have a lot of clients that are waiting on calls from me, but I can’t afford to let people come into the office. This office is too small and this is a very, very contagious disease,” says Judge.
He recommends that people call the office if they have questions, especially if their dogs are exhibiting signs of parvo.
Judge says this is an example of why vaccinations are important.
“The best treatment for parvo is prevention, by far and away. I urge people to get their vaccines. I still offer it annually. I’m happy to discuss that with folks as far as scientifically with regard to how often you have to give it,” says Judge.
Judge plans to be in town through Friday, March 14.
Again, Judge asks that you do NOT bring your pets to the office because parvo is very contagious.
For more information, call the vet at 874-2871.
