Parvovirus: Fighting for their lives

Four puppies entered the Winona Area Humane Society on August 31st, 2018.  Within a day and a half they started exhibiting symptoms of the Canine Parvovirus.  Soon thereafter they showed signs of the (often fatal) disease: lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and losing weight.  

If you are not familiar with Canine Parvo Virus: Dogs with this illness experience diarrhea and vomiting that can quickly lead to dehydration and death.

The first puppy, McGee, is the sickest of the litter.  He is less than one blood cell left in his white blood cell count.  Which makes his fight against the disease, exceptionally hard.  He is currently on aggressive intravenous fluids to stay hydrated, frequent antibiotics, and is periodically being force fed (although he remains on anti-nausea medicine).  McGee's siblings are fairing slightly better in this fight.  Although his sister Eleanor isn't quite out of the woods.  Her white blood cell count is slightly higher than McGee's, giving her a better chance at recovery.

 
The other siblings, Caitlin & Mallard are quarantined.  As of right now, they are showing no symptoms.  There is a high possibility that they might become symptomatic in the next few days, if so- the Medical Director will begin the same treatment plan as Eleanor & McGee's.

Ashley Potter (Medical & Dog Director) began what is sure to be a long fight against this virulent and viscous disease.  Pet Medical Center of Winona, MN continues to assist Winona Area Humane Society in this fight.  Our shelter is blessed to work with a veterinarian who is willing to dedicate countless hours to saving these pups.  Dr. Finnegan has worked tirelessly to develop a (hopefully) lifesaving treatment plan.  

The medical director created a make-shift Parvo Quarantine area in a previous (cat dominated) medical room.  The puppies are now residing safely under the watch of Dr. Finnegan, WAHS Medical Director Ashley Potter, and WAHS Assistant Medical Director Josh Sackmaster.

Please Help Us Help Them.

For information on how to protect your own dog, visit:  https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_dg_canine_parvovirus_infection