NOTES FROM MHC: Sweet Pea

NOTES FROM THE ADOPTION CENTER is a blog series where we will be sharing some of our rescue stories and our day-to-day challenges & successes at the Midland Humane Coalition Adoption Center(inside PetSmart) and The Joe and Van Mabee Animal Rescue Center (our new rescue facility). ​

Earlier this week, we rescued a  young puppy that was abandoned at a local business. 

We named her Sweet Pea (because she is truly a sweetie).  

At first glance, she seemed healthy and had no symptoms whatsoever. However, when we got her examined, she tested positive for Parvovirus. Luckily, she was still in isolation, so hasn’t been exposed to any other dogs. 

Sweet Pea  is now staying at the Town and Country Veterinary Hospital to get the best treatment she can get to survive and recover from this illness.
​
Parvo is a terrible disease. Thankfully, it is preventable through vaccination.  Learn more about Parvovirus below. 

Please help us cover Sweet Pea's treatment, which will most likely add up to a hefty hospital bill. 

~Vanessa Medina, MHC Executive Director

WE APPRECIATE & NEED DONATIONS!  With rescue work, we never know what situations we will have to deal with each day. Having a steady flow of funds enables us to be ready for whatever challenges we may encounter as we help cats & dogs out of desperate situations.  Help us help pets like Sweet Pea. 

DONATE FOR SWEET PEA

---

WHAT IS PARVOVIRUS?
The Canine Parvovirus (CPV) infection is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs.  The virus manifests itself in two different forms. The more common form is the intestinal form, which is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite (anorexia).  The less common form is the cardiac form, which attacks the heart muscles of very young puppies, often leading to death.  The incidence of canine parvovirus infections has been reduced radically by early vaccination in young puppies.


Symptoms: Watch out for these symptoms: Bloody diarrhea (often severe), Fever, Lethargy (lack of energy), Loss of appetite, Malaise (discomfort associated with illness), Rapid weight loss, Vomiting


How your dog get infected: Parvo is transmitted in two ways. The first is by direct contact through the nose and mouth with infected poop, which can happen when a dog sniffs or licks a surface or another dog that has been contaminated with feces. The second is indirect transmission which occurs when a puppy comes into contact with a contaminated person, object, or environment. The virus can survive on clothing, equipment, on human skin, and in the environment.


Who is most susceptible: All dogs are at risk for developing canine parvovirus. The majority of cases are seen in puppies that are between six weeks and six months old. Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated adult dogs are also at risk.

Vaccinate your pet against PARVO and other preventable illnesses!
Learn about Common Pet Diseases & Vaccinations 
Book an appointment with a Midland Veterinarian Clinic  
​