Pet owners warned over dog disease

[bigdoglover]

EADT/Suffolk and Essex

Mark Bulstrode

DOG owners in a Suffolk town have been warned to guard against a highly infectious and potentially fatal disease that is circulating among the canine community.

In the past two weeks, five cases of the Parvovirus-like disease have been reported, with two dogs having to be put down as a result.

Symptoms include severe vomiting, diarrhoea with blood in and a lack of appetite. Young, unvaccinated dogs and older dogs are most at risk.

Kate Cundy, of the Ipswich and East Suffolk Branch of the RSPCA, said: “This disease has been going through Norfolk and it is thought that is where it has come from.

“Now it has come to Ipswich and we know of five cases but there may be more because we don't think every case has been reported.”

The disease is not thought to be harmful to other animals, or humans, and is passed on by contact with infected faeces.

Dog owners are being advised to make sure vaccinations are kept up to date and keep affected animals away from popular areas, such as parks, where other dogs are likely to be.

Miss Cundy said: “The treatment for this Parvovirus-like disease can be up to 10 days at the vets - at up to £50 per day - plus medication.

“The message is - get your dog vaccinated if it has not already been and don't forget the yearly boosters, which are essential. The initial vaccination does not cover the dog for the remainder of its life.

“The initial vaccinations will cost between £48 and £60 and the annual boosters between £28-35. These costs are, of course, part and parcel of responsible dog ownership.”