KOHIMA, JANUARY 8: There has been a noticeable increase in Parvovirus infection among dogs in and around Kohima.
Around 10-15 dogs with Parvovirus infection are being brought to the Veterinary Hospital Kohima at Tinpati, Kohima, everyday throughout the year, informed the Veterinary Surgeon at VHK, Elizabeth Yhome.
Pointing out that although 10-15 years ago, there were cases of Parvovirus infection among dogs, local canines had strong resistance to the virus and it was predominantly confined to imported dogs or crossbreds.
But in the past years, dogs, regardless of its heritage, have become more susceptible to the viral infection, she said.
Queried on the reasons for weakening of immunity in local dogs, Yhome said that earlier “our forefathers kept dogs for hunting purpose and were let loose as a result they have adapted to the surroundings and had developed a certain degree of resilience to the virus”.
“However, these dogs, be it local or imported, are kept locked inside without much exposure to the surroundings. Also, people out of love feed pedigrees to locally breed dogs and now it appears that the immunity of local dogs to diseases has weakened”, she said.
Yhome said that Parvovirus infection is a highly infectious disease among dogs.
The disease is caused by a DNA virus known as Parvo virus.
She pointed out that the virus is transmitted through direct contact from an infected dog to other healthy dog or through excretions.
All age-group of dogs are affected but young pups are more susceptible to this disease, she said.
While Parvovirus remains deadly to the canine population irrespective of its heritage with high mortality rate, Yhome said that if treated at the earliest on detection of the symptoms, there is high chance for them to survive.
Sharing about certain ways to detect whether one’s dog has contracted Parvovirus, Yhome said that dogs will show depression and complete loss of appetite.
Occurrences of high body temperature coupled with frothy-colour vomiting leading to dehydration are also signs that a dog has contracted Parvovirus, she added.
Another symptom is severe diarrhoea, which is bright red in colour and watery in consistency.
Young pups develop jaundice in severe cases, she said.
Yhome also informed that there are certain steps to prevent parvo viral infection in dogs.
“It is advised to always keep your dog in warm, airy and hygienic environment; regular disinfection of dog shed/kennel and the bedding materials, and de-worming the dog at regular interval; infected dog should be isolated immediately from other healthy dog proper disposal of the faeces and other waste products.
“Also, vaccination of all puppies with parvo viral vaccine should not be missed. Pups less than 3 months of age should be administered 2 injections ~ first injection at 6-8 weeks of age and second after 12 weeks of age. Dogs more than 3 months old should also be administered with one injection only”, she informed.
(Page News Service)
