Jack was just two months old when he came to see us as he had had some vomiting and diarrhoea and really did not want to eat.  He did not improve with an anti-sickness injection and pro-biotics and so came back to see us again.  He was really lethargic, had lost weight and we were very worried something more serious could be going on.

Jack was admitted into the hospital and had blood and faecal samples taken.  We were particularly concerned about parvovirus.

Parvovirus is an often fatal condition seen in puppies and as well as older dogs.  Parvovirus attacks the rapidly dividing cells in the body, most commonly the intestines (which causes bloody diarrhoea) but also the bone marrow and the myocardium (the heart).  Because of the damage to the lining of the intestine as well as the bone marrow, these patients are at a real risk of bacterial infections that can lead to sepsis.  Vaccinated individuals can still get the infection although it tends to cause less severe signs if that is the case. 

Jack had already had his first puppy vaccination against parvovirus.  He was started onto a drip as well as intravenous antibiotics and anti-sickness medication whilst we awaited the results of the parvovirus test.  The test came back positive.  Thankfully, Jack responded well to treatment and started to eat.  After a few days he was well enough to go home and continue his recovery there.

Unfortunately, whilst Jack was in with us his sister, Honey, started with diarrhoea as well. 

Naturally we were concerned this could be parvovirus too (it is spread by contact with infected faeces) and when Honey did not respond to outpatient treatment, she was admitted to the hospital as well – the day after Jack went home!  She received similar treatment to Jack and responded very well too. Honey was discharged a few days later.

Both Jack and Honey have been great since they went home and are now completely back to their normal selves!