Veterinarian Dr Pip Kellett warns of need for vaccinations and vigilance after parvovirus cases

Tasmanian dog owners have been warned of the danger that parvovirus poses to their pooches, with a puppy owner telling of the devastation it can wreak. DEADLY VIRUS EXPLAINED >>>

Doctor Pip Kellett at North Hobart Veterinary Hospital with Billy the 1 year old Chihuahua cross. An outbreak of parvovirus has hit Hobart and surrounds with dog owners urged to vaccinate their dogs. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

An outbreak of highly contagious canine parvovirus has prompted a warning from veterinarians for Tasmanians to get their dogs immunised.

The RSPCA has also cautioned dog breeders to ensure that puppies receive checks from vets before they are sold.

North Hobart Veterinarian Hospital veterinary director Dr Pip Kellett said parvovirus was a “very serious” disease which could be fatal.

“Clinics were notified on Wednesday of a cluster of cases, the message spread quickly and hopefully due to the speedy nature of communications this will ensure that the virus is not spread too far,” Dr Kellett said.

“We are very lucky in Tasmania that we rarely see parvovirus, this is due to a great uptake of vaccination by dog owners.

“It is a very serious disease.

Doctor Pip Kellett at North Hobart Veterinary Hospital with Billy the 1 year old Chihuahua cross. An outbreak of parvovirus has hit Hobart and surrounds with dog owners urged to vaccinate their dogs. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Dogs that succumb to infection often present with lethargy, vomiting and profuse diarrhoea.

“The virus targets the immune system and damages the cells of the intestines.

“These factors in combination with the profuse diarrhoea can lead to severe dehydration and sepsis.

“It often requires intensive hospital treatment with duration of hospital care up to 5-7 days. It unfortunately can be fatal.”

Dr Kellett said timely vaccinations were vital for puppies and older dogs also should get regular boosters.

“If you have an unvaccinated pet, please avoid high traffic dog areas such as parks until the pet has been vaccinated.

“This is a timely reminder that due to the nature of the virus - it can live in the soil for a long time - that we should always be mindful that parvovirus is a risk year round.”

The New Norfolk Vet Centre said it recently saw a case of parvovirus in the area and urged owners to get their dogs vaccinated.

A dog sick with parvovirus. Picture: Supplied

A social media post told of a family who bought a young puppy for $300 but had to have her euthanised 12 hours later because she became so ill.

“I am also out of pocket $275 to put this precious girl to sleep as she did not deserve what she was going through,” the post said.

“I am now down $575 and can’t even get another puppy for my children even if I wanted to as my house has been exposed to parvo from this precious puppy.”

RSPCA chief executive Andrea Dawkins said the report of a puppy with parvovirus being sold was “very concerning”.

She said dog regulations were explicit on rehoming dogs and there were penalties for breaches.

“A person with care or charge of a dog must not rehome the dog unless, at the time the dog is rehomed, the person discloses to the new owner of the dog the date on which the general health of the dog was last checked by a veterinary surgeon,” Ms Dawkins said.

Originally published as Veterinarian Dr Pip Kellett warns of need for vaccinations and vigilance after parvovirus cases