ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTRE SOUTH
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Blog

Vaccines vs. Parvo treatment.. is it worth the risk?

7/30/2019

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We have fielded a number of parvo cases and wanted to just wanted to help pet owners compare the risk and cost.  This is why we recommend a full puppy series of vaccinations to try and save puppies and money too. 

Vaccination Series

Vaccinations are completed every 4 weeks until your puppy is 16 weeks old.  This means every puppy receives between 3-4 vaccinations.  The series costs an average of $350-$475.  This includes a number of wellness visits as well to ensure your pup is in prime health while it grows with your family.  

Parvo Treatment

Parvo treatment is intense.  Parvo treatment entails the following.  Initial Fecal testing, Bloodwork (sometimes daily), Inter venous Fluids, IV anti emetics(anti nausea), IV antibiotics (usually multiple types).  All staff that enter the room must follow strict isolation protocol and even holding the puppy is risky so they get pets and love through gloves and gowns.  All equipment needed for the isolation room must stay in there and be disinfected with bleach every day.  On average the puppy is tended to 6-10 times during working hours meaning full gown up and disinfection protocol every time in order to prevent the spread through the clinic.  The average time for treatment is 3-5 days.  This means that 50 times someone has to gown up and disinfect themselves, this is the reason isolation care costs more.  The medications are given at least 3 times a day and the other visits are to try and force feed, clean and complete additional testing on the puppy.  It is difficult for staff and the puppy being treated.  The average cost for parvo treatment at our facility averages $1200-$1500  This price could increase if the puppy is in dire straights and requires things like multiple plasma transfusions or more intensive treatments.  

The Bottom Line

When you look at the facts keeping your puppy isolated and well vaccinated is a small price to pay when looking at the extensive treatment needed for a pup with parvo.  Have more questions?  Ask below and we will be sure to answer them.  
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Parvo Positive... what now?

7/29/2019

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With the recent outbreak in parvo we wanted to address some common questions we have heard and what the answers are.  Have more questions, comment on the blog and we will address them. 
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How can my dog catch Parvo?

Quite simply exposure to the fecal material of a positive dog or a carrier can result in transmission of the disease.  Dogs carry fecal material on their feet and fur often when they are young and in large groups making transfer very easy.  Fecal oral transmission can occur with any dog. 

What are the symptoms of Parvo?

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea (may be bloody)
  • Lethargy
  • Fever
  • Anorexia
  • Weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Dehydration

How can I prevent my puppy from catching Parvo? 

Isolation and vaccination are the only two ways to prevent your puppy from being at risk for catching the parvo virus.  When dogs are young and unvaccinated they are at high risk and this is why we recommend keeping young pets isolated and off city streets and out of parks ect.  Until your puppy receives their final booster or has a strong titre they are considered at risk.  

Someone I know has been in contact with me and they have the virus, what should I do next?

Bleach effectively kills the parvo virus and is used in clinics world wide during outbreaks.  Clean every surface that person touched, walked on and had their pets.  You can use a weak bleach solution safely on dog runs and yards even.  

How long is my puppy contagious for?

The standard time frame is approximately 10 days after symptoms subside dogs are considered to be no longer shedding the virus.  They shed the virus for 4-5 days prior to any symptoms are present so this puts many dogs at risk if you are taking unvaccinated pets out of the home.  If you think your puppy has been exposed and may be a carrier or is developing symptoms they need to be quarantined completely and kept off the ground anywhere any other dogs may be, especially unvaccinated  dogs
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Animal Medical Centre South

59 East 3rd Ave 
Dunmore, AB 
T1B 0L2
Available 24/7 for emergencies.
Call:  403-527-4888
Email: amcsouth@gmail.com

Hours of Operation

Mon:  8:00am - 5:30pm
Tue:  8:00 am - 5:30pm
Wed:  8:00am - 5:30pm
Thu:  8:00am - 5:30pm
Fri:  8:00am - 5:30pm
Sat:  9:00am - 2:00pm
Sun:  Closed
Closed on Holidays
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  • Home
  • Services
    • Webstore
    • Small Animal Services >
      • Digital Radiology
      • Wellness Visits
      • Vaccinations
      • Ultrasound
      • Small Animal Surgery
      • Opthamology
      • Dental Care
      • Cancer Care
      • Dermatology
      • Nutritional Consults
      • Pain Management
      • Physical Rehabilitation
      • Laser Therapy
      • Accupuncture
    • Exotics >
      • Surgery
      • Medical Exams
    • Large Animal - Animal Medical Centre South >
      • C-sections
      • Bovine Preg Checking
      • Bovine Semen Testing
      • Herd Health
      • Basic Equine Care
      • Teeth Floats
  • Blog
  • About
    • Our Doctors
    • Our Staff
    • Clinic App
  • Contact
  • Careers