Pet of the Month – November

Digby – 10 week old Border collie puppy

Digby had only been in his new home with his new owners for two days before he started to become unwell with diarrhoea and vomiting and a lack of appetite. Vet Andy admitted Digby for treatment with intravenous fluids to replace fluids lost from diarrhoea and vomiting. Antibiotics were also prescribed. Digby responded well to his treatment and was sent home later that day.
Unfortunately, two days later he deteriorated and stared to vomit again. Vet Justyn admitted Digby for intensive nursing and investigations. An in-house blood test was carried out which showed that Digby had a very low white blood cell count. Along with the vomiting and foul smelling diarrhoea, this was clearly indicative of Canine Parvo Virus (CPV).
CPV is a potentially fatal and highly contagious disease. Digby’s owners were informed of the seriousness of this disease and an antiviral protein medication was administered, along with intravenous antibiotics, anti-sickness medication and intravenous fluids. Digby received intensive nursing and his body temperature was closely monitored.
Within two days, Digby was showing signs of improvement. He had stopped vomiting and passing diarrhoea. He was keen to eat and was starting to become playful. We knew he was on the mend when he kept chewing through his drip and trying to remove it himself!
Digby continued to improve and thankfully was able to be discharged four days later. He continues to thrive and his owners are very happy with his progress and his return to normal fun ‘puppyhood’. As a result of the intensive treatment and significant medication required to restore Digby to full health, the cost to his owners was over £1000.
Vaccination for CPV will provide protection against the disease. The vaccination course can start from eight weeks of age. It is very important however not to let unvaccinated puppies socialise with unvaccinated dogs/puppies or to let them come into contact with any dog faeces/saliva/vomit until the recommended time after the course is completed.
Digby had his first vaccination for CPV with his breeder, but he had probably already been exposed to the disease before the vaccine had a chance to provide him with any immunity. He was very fortunate that his owners brought him to the vet as soon as his symptoms developed. Even with aggressive supportive treatment, the chance of survival from this disease can be as low as 35%.