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A vet is warning dog owners to be aware where they buy puppies from, after she saved a young puppy from a deadly disease.
Otter, a Labrador, was brought to see vet Martina Eyre-Brook at her Vets4Pets practice in Cirencester last month for his second set of vaccinations.
But the 10-week-old, who had only been bought by his owners just days before, was vomiting and suffered from diarrhoea, when he arrived at the practice.
It was then a five day fight to save Otter’s life began, during which it was confirmed he had contracted canine parvovirus, commonly known as parvo.
Puppies bought from third parties, rather than reputable breeders, and without the new owners being able to see the puppy’s mother, are often raised in poor conditions and can arrive with new owners with numerous health concerns, many as a result of not being vaccinated.
Martina, who also owns Vets4Pets Cirencester, said: “Due to the vomiting and diarrhoea Otter wasn’t well enough to have any vaccination, but our main concern was what was causing him to be so ill.
“On checking his vaccination record I noticed he was given his first vaccine in Wales, but the owner reported they had bought the puppy in Gloucester. It was then I began to suspect things were quite serious for Otter.
“The owner told me that the person they collected Otter from, was not the person they had spoken to, and they had done limited research into buying a puppy.
“We started treatment immediately with intravenous fluids and medication, and admitted him to our isolation ward where his condition continued to deteriorate.
“Blood and parvovirus tests were carried out, the latter soon being confirmed and it was then Otter collapsed.”
There is no specific cure for parvovirus, with dogs affected needing round-the-clock intensive supportive care. Sadly, even with supportive treatment many dogs die from the diseases
With help from a local out-of-hours hospital Martina and her team continued to care for Otter, with his treatment now including multiple medications, and a plasma transfusion.
It was then Martina made the decision to stay with Otter overnight in order to reduce any stress levels and help his young body fight the infection.
“After five days of treatment we could do no more and it was at this point we thought we’d lose him,” admitted Martina.
“As vets we provide every support possible to keep pets happy and healthy, but it seemed Otter just wouldn’t pull through.
“But, just as we thought it was the end, he stopped vomiting and, within 12 hours was, eating again; albeit little bits of chicken at first.
“Within 24 hours he had more interest in food, had ventured on a little walk outside and showed signs that he would recover after all.
“Otter continued to receive intensive nursing care for a further two days and, after a week, was able to start taking medication by mouth rather than by injection.
“However, all of this could have been completely preventable had Otter been bought from a reputable breeder and correctly vaccinated.
“Thankfully he is now well on the road to a full recovery, but many puppies and dogs aren’t as lucky as Otter, with parvovirus killing many of the pets it infects.”
Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease spread by direct contact with saliva or faeces of an infected animal, and is most likely to infect puppies up to six months of age.
It can affect older dogs as well, especially dogs that have never been vaccinated or are not up to date with their annual vaccinations. Unfortunately outbreaks are still commonly reported in the UK, including a number this year.
As with Otter, dogs with parvovirus will require hospitalisation, often for many days, and sometimes weeks.
Vaccination for parvovirus is routine and is one of the four main diseases that dogs are normally vaccinated against – the others are distemper, canine hepatitis and leptospirosis. The latter can also cause disease in humans.
In total Otter’s treatment cost £4,150, compared to primary vaccination course, which is just £70.
Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: “Martina and her team at Vets4Pets Cirencester did exactly what vets and vet nurses do across the UK, rapidly identifying the signs of illness and reacting quickly with appropriate care and treatment.
“To help avoid the situation Otter faced, we’d encourage anyone thinking of buying a puppy to carry out research into the most suitable breed for their lifestyle amongst other things, including time, their home environment and cost, before making a choice.
“It’s also advisable to speak to a local vet before making the purchase. They’ll be able to advice on the best place to source a new pet, which for many people this is now through a rehoming charity.
“When you have your heart set on getting a puppy it can be tempting to respond to the first online advert that offers what you are looking for, but this is rarely the best plan.
“Many pets, particularly puppies that are advertised online, have been illegally imported from the continent, or have been bred in puppy farms under very poor conditions. Animals bred in these establishments can have lifelong health and behavioural problems, and are often in poor health and not vaccinated.
“Further help and advice on buying a dog can be found on the Vets4Pets website www.vets4pets.com/pet-health-advice/dog-advice/how-to-choose-the-right-dog-or-puppy/.”