The Not-so-Regular TCAH Newsletter

***News flash***

PET FAIR 2007

 Our first pet fair will be brought to you by the Towanda Creek

and Wyalusing Pet Clinics October 20, 2007 at Riverfront Park

in Towanda, PA.Our theme this year is

Good Pet Behavior Saves Lives!

Our goal is to prevent the loss of a pet to euthanasia or

adoption due to a preventable behavior problem. Our local pet

adoption agencies will be at the fair along with behavior spe

 cialists from all over Bradford County. We will be offering

inexpensive microchipping for permanent identification of your

pet, doggie rides and the 'Doctor is IN' free behavioral

advice.For more information please contact either the Towanda

Creek Animal Hospital 265-5244 or the Wyalusing Pet Clinic

746-6076.

Put us on your calendar today!

Because we are currently seeing a small epidemic of  parvo virus in the area, we would like to take our newsletter space to help our patients' owners understand how to recognize, treat and prevent this debilitating virus. There are also links throughout the website with more information. If you have any questions during your reading, please give us a call at the Animal Hospital.

 PARVOVIRUS

Parvovirus is a virus affecting the intestinal tract causing diarrhea and vomiting, sometimes bloody and also sometimes fatal. It is transmitted in the stool of infected dogs, by saliva or other bodily fluids. There is a period of 3-10 days after a dog has come in contact with the virus before he starts showing signs. Often the first sign is a low grade fever and lethargy or a loss of appetite. It takes from 3-10 days for the virus to run it's course. The virus can live in the environment for weeks or even months following contamination. After infection, a dog continues to shed the virus for up to 2  weeks. Secondary bacterial infections can be a common complication and often mean the death of the animal. Puppies are more susceptible to the effects of the virus because they do not have a mature immune system. They are generally smaller and weaker than their adult counterparts and just cannot sustain their strength during the infection.

      To protect your pet, PREVENTION is the key!

At the age of 6 weeks a puppy can have her first vaccinations. The first puppy shot commonly known as the distemper vaccination also includes protection against parvo virus. Puppies need this vaccination 3 times from the age of 6 weeks thru the age of 16 weeks. After a year the dog will have her booster vaccine and then can continue with the 3 year vaccinations thereafter, similar to the schedule for rabies vaccinations. Protection in a puppy under six weeks includes seclusion from other dogs outside of the family until he can get his first vaccinations. Vaccinating a puppy before 6 weeks of age interferes with the natural antibody protection the mother gives the pups at birth and thru her milk, so this is never recommended. If you adopt a puppy before it has been given its first vaccines, be sure to keep her away from any other dogs, and do not walk her out of your yard until she has made it thru at least two vaccinations. This is one of the reasons most puppy classes do not start until a puppy is 10-12 weeks of age and has already begun the vaccination series.

Treatment for the virus consists of supportive care until the virus has run its course. Older dogs may only have a day or two of illness that can be treated at home with a special feeding program of mild food and plenty of liquids in small amounts. The longer the dog goes without eating, the more critical care is required at your veterinary hospital. This may include intravenous antibiotics and fluid therapy to keep the animal strong thru the disease process. This treatment may last 2 days or it may last two weeks. There is no predicting how long the virus will remain in the animal's system. Sometimes during the treatment process the pets systems shut down and he may die from this virus. This is also not a predictable situation.

 Get the picture? PREVENTION is the best medicine.

Check your pet's vaccination status today!