Vets discuss new treatment for parvovirus as cases rise this spring

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama. (ARMED) – Cases of canine parvovirus are on the rise this spring, but a new drug is on the way that could save your pet’s life.

When the weather is hot, you may want to take your four-legged friend to the park for some fresh air, but if they come into contact with a dog infected with canine parvovirus, it could be deadly.

Dr. Susan Muller of the Animal Care Clinic says that each spring the number of cases increases because people want to hang out with their pets, but because the virus is highly contagious, the first step to keeping your dog safe is to have him vaccinated.

“They come in cycles, we tend to see it a lot more often in the spring,” Dr Muller said. “The best thing is to prevent it. Vaccines starting at 6 weeks are the best thing to help prevent parvovirus.

Signs of the virus in dogs include loss of appetite, fever/low body temperature, vomiting and severe bloody diarrhea.

Dr Wesley Clendinen of South Huntsville Veterinary Hospital said there is currently only supportive treatment for infected dogs, but a new treatment that will actively fight the virus is due out in late June.

“There is basically a monoclonal antibody treatment for parvo which is huge,” Dr. Clendinen said. “It’s going to be a complete game-changer when it comes to parvovirus treatment and it’s about to be rolled out to veterinary clinics.”

Dr Muller said she expects it to be expensive, but it will save the families a lot of heartache.

“It’s something that’s going to have to be shipped to your vet on dry ice and it’s going to be a bit pricey, but it looks like it’s better worth it if it prevents the tragedy of a parvovirus death, said Dr. Muller.

Both clinics say they will offer the new treatment when it begins rolling out in June.

Click here to subscribe on YouTube: Watch the latest WAFF 48 news, sports and weather videos on our YouTube channel!

Copyright 2023 WEAPON. All rights reserved.