The disease has killed more than 20 dogs in Otsego County alone, usually within a few days of presenting symptoms of vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite, 60 miles northeast of Traverse City. County Animal Shelter in Gaylord, said. on facebook on friday
More than 30 dogs died of similar symptoms in three counties in Clare County, south of Michigan, according to Clare County Cleaver, the county’s director of animal control told county officials last week. Similar reports have been made around northern and central Michigan.
Those are symptoms that can be caused by canine parvovirus, known as “parvo,” a highly contagious virus that most often infects dogs and puppies under the age of 4 months, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Details about whether Parvo is involved in the conflict of Michigan affairs. Affected dogs tested negative for parvo during initial screening by veterinarians, the Otsego County shelter and Clare County animal control director has said.
But some of the first samples submitted to Michigan State University’s veterinary diagnostics laboratory were positive for parvovirus, the laboratory and the state Department of Agriculture said Monday.
“However, more results are pending and much remains to be learned,” state veterinarian Dr. Nora Vinland said in a news release from the Department of Agriculture.
The Agriculture Department called it a “canine parvovirus-like illness” and said it and MSU diagnostic labs are helping investigate cases.
Affected dogs in Otsego County are typically dogs younger than 2 years of age or elderly, the county shelter said.
“We haven’t seen any dogs … die who are fully vaccinated,” the shelter’s Facebook post reads.
The Department of Agriculture says routine canine vaccinations include those against parvovirus, and dog owners should make sure their pets have the vaccine.
Canine parvovirus is spread through dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces and the environment, states the Veterinary Association. The state agriculture department said it is not contagious to people or other types of animals.
No medication will kill the parvovirus in infected dogs, so treatment for that virus is focused on supporting the body’s systems—including replacing electrolyte, protein, and fluid loss—so the immune system can fight off the infection. Medical Association says.
The survival rate for parvovirus “can reach 90%” with appropriate treatment, although when death does occur, it usually occurs 48 to 72 hours after symptoms begin, the association says.
The Otsego County shelter highlighted a challenge that early negative tests may have in recent cases.
“Because there (are) many diseases that are similar to the vet, can treat differently,” the shelter’s post reads.
(This story has not been edited by seemayo staff and is published from a rss feed)
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