Virus 'outbreak' threatening dogs (From News Shopper)

Virus 'outbreak' threatening dogs

9:59am Friday 15th August 2008 in

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A VET has warned of an outbreak of a potentially lethal dog virus in south-east London.

Parkvets has recently dealt with a case of canine parvovirus at its veterinary clinic in Mottingham and another at its animal hospital in Sidcup.

One dog with the virus was taken to the company's Eltham clinic and another two were treated at its Belverdere branch.

Parkvets senior veterinary surgeon Dave Nichol says after a decade of working with animals he has never seen so many cases of the canine parvovirus in such a short space of time.

He said: "We would expect one or two cases a year but we have had five since July 31 and are awaiting results on other dogs.

"It is a real problem. Unvaccinated dogs have a 50-per-cent chance of dying from this.

"I think we could describe it as an outbreak and I have telephoned other vets in the area to tell them what is happening here.

"We have ordered in 100 extra doses of the vaccine. It can get a lot more serious because 50 per cent of dogs are unvaccinated against this type of virus."

The parvovirus brings on sickness and diarrhoea and dogs can die of dehydration if left untreated.

Mr Nichol, 32, added: "Younger, unvaccinated animals are particularly at risk and the virus can cost owners hundreds of pounds in vet's fees.

"It's contagious and can spread very quickly. Nurses in our clinics are using foot baths and full gowns to help stop it spreading."

Anyone who is worried about their dog's health can contact Parkvets on 020 8300 8111 or get in touch with their nearest animal clinic.

The RSPCA says the figures highlighted by Mr Nichol are above average and that the problem is made worse by people failing to vaccinate their animals.

A spokesman for the charity said: "This is a potentially lethal virus. Anyone looking for a dog should avoid buying animals from puppy farms where the virus can spread more easily."