Dog lovers warned after pup’s Parvovirus death

Dog lovers warned after pup’s Parvovirus death

Dog lovers have been warned to put any concerns they may have about about vaccines to one side and make sure their beloved pets are protected.

The warning comes after the death of a rescue puppy found wandering in Limavady, Co Derry, and shortly afterwards diagnosed with Parvovirus.

The cute Pomeranian, named Oscar by the medical team looking after him, was placed in isolation and given emergency medical treatment but passed away on Thursday, August 18.

Mel McKee from North West Animal Welfare Group who took the dog in, said: “If Oscar had been vaccinated against this awful virus he would have likely survived but he was not, he was just left with the risk of picking it up and that lead to a terrible last few days and a painful death for a dog that did nothing to deserve anything but love and care.”

The vet team at Roe Valley Veterinary Clinic ,where Mel was allowed to stay with him, had hoped an initial improvement meant the one-year-old pup might survive but sadly his health soon took a turn for the worse.e

Mel said: “Unfortunately Oscar deteriorated quite rapidly on Thursday afternoon. The veterinary nurses and myself watched as his breathing became too laboured. His gums had gone from the white to more pink and then they showed the tell-tale yellow tinge as couldn’t get up to go to the bathroom anymore.

“I felt the poor pet was in terrible pain. He was just lying there when previously he had lifted his head to listen to whoever was chatting to him.

“The vets tried everything but we decided he’d had enough and no one wanted to prolong his suffering on false hope, so we sat and comforted him as he passed away with some gentle help.

“What I would say today is whatever your thoughts are on vaccines, please have your dogs vaccinated against Parvo. It is a horrible virus, it has horrible, painful and distressing symptoms and the outcome is often death.

“Parvovirus is preventable with a simple injection that every vet can administer. Please book your dog’s Parvo jab today or check that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date.”