The bond between humans and dogs became stronger through a recent parvovirus crisis at the Middlesex County Animal Shelter in Cooks Corner.
After it was discovered that a dog with “parvo” was surrendered to the shelter, it was closed. Still, one of the shelter dogs “Rusty” contracted parvo from the dog that was brought to the shelter.
Four puppies were removed from the shelter and taken to a foster home when the shelter first discovered that a dog brought in had parvo. Two puppies still ended up contracting parvo as it was already too late in getting them out of the shelter, said Shelter Manager Barrett Worley. “They were cared for by two wonderful volunteers that dedicated their time, compassion and love to care for four puppies, two of which contracted parvo. That is a hard task to take on. Taking care of them in their home is what made them true heroes. Puppies are hard enough on their own, let alone being sick with parvo.”
The puppies returned to the shelter after they were cleared of parvo. Two were adopted locally. The other two puppies were transferred to the Prince William County Animal Services Center where they were adopted.
The shelter staff cleaned for weeks to successfully contain this highly contagious, deadly virus as much as possible.
Rusty recovered and is ready for his forever home. Things are back to normal now. “We are now much more diligent about the signs and symptoms of parvo and educated on the best plan of action to combat a situation like that if it were to happen again. This is reflected in our new standard operating procedures,” said Worley.
Vaccinations
Worley emphasizes the life-saving value of parvo vaccinations, which are given at 8-, 12- and 16-weeks of age and the dog will then have a follow up booster in one year. Then, unless otherwise recommended by your vet, will be given a booster every three years.
It’s a multi-step process because the vaccine may not be effective on the first or second dose. Booster shots give puppies stronger immunity, Worley explained.
Attack
Parvo’s horrible symptoms drive home the need for vaccinations. From a litter of four puppies at the shelter, two of the puppies contracted parvo, which affects the digestive system in terrible ways.
Rusty and one of the puppies, Sprinkles, recovered fairly quickly. But Bandit had to be hospitalized twice.
Worley said that a new drug, Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibodies, is the only treatment available for parvo.
The monoclonal antibodies actually fight the virus itself binding to canine parvovirus and neutralizing it before it can enter the cell, delivering a higher level of defense, explained Worley, who is a registered nurse.
In addition, antibiotics are given as supportive care to help against secondary infections and help support the digestive track which is under extreme stress.
While the injections are costly, they are cheaper than a hospital stay. The recent treatments cost about $10,000, which was paid by Middlesex Pet Friends for Life.
Recovery
Bandit might not have made it if the dog had not been administered monoclonal antibodies, said Worley. “It gave him a chance to fight it a lot faster.” Until this new treatment was approved by the FDA, all that could be done was supportive care such as giving fluids, anti-nausea, anti-diarrhea, antibiotics, and possibly placing a supplemental nutrition tube.
Bandit recovered and was adopted locally, along with a sibling.
Lucky ones
The way the community, Pet Friends for Life, vets, other shelters helped during the parvo outbreak was motivational, said Worley. “I can’t thank them all enough!” he said.
The positive ways dogs affect people are many, said Worley, who borrowed a phrase from David Morales, husband of Assistant Shelter Manager Ali Morales. “We’re the lucky ones for knowing them because they are amazing,” said David Morales.
Dogs change our lives, Worley added. “When we see the effect dogs have on people it’s so important. You see a grown person become a kid again.”
It’s especially heartwarming to see how dogs that are surrendered to the shelter are changed by the compassion of the staff and volunteers, said Worley.
It’s a strong bond, sometimes forged through struggle, but always with the love of those who dedicate themselves to helping mankind’s “best friends.”
