Our goal is to save the lives of unwanted animals, to lessen the number of unwanted companion animals by Spay/Neuter, to lessen the number of unwanted animals being sent to animal control for euthanasia in the Oxford County area. We will also push to educate animal owners on the necessity of vaccination and sterilization to maintain their fur family's good health.
New Parvo Strain Hits West Michigan

Parvo 2c has been suspected as the cause of death for at least three adult canines in Kent County and surrounding areas. Two of the three dogs had a known previous vaccine history and tested positive on the Idexx Snap Parvo Test. The most current information on Parvo 2c from the vaccine/shelter medicine specialists around the country is as follows:

Disease: Parvo 2c is a highly virulent strain of the parvo virus that is extremely fatal in puppies and adult dogs. This strain of parvo attacks the circulatory organs approximately 24 hours before attacking the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, by the time a dog is presented for lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea it is generally too late.

Diagnosis: Parvo 2c is detectable on the Idexx Snap Test, but it has been showing as a weak positive on many tests. Viral isolation is the best way to confirm the diagnosis, but it is not going to assist with diagnosis upon presentation.

Treatment: Conservative treatment with supportive care has been rarely successful. Plasma transfusions from recovered dogs have shown to yield the best treatment success at around 64% survival rate. Prevention: Schering-Plough (SP) and Intervet vaccinations have been proven to be 100% effective in preventing this strain of parvo. If you have any questions in regards to SP vaccinations please call 1- 800-224-5318 (SP technical support). Fort Dodge vaccines were effective in less than 90% of the tested dogs/puppies, Pfizer was less than 70% effective in preventing disease, and Merial was less than 50% effective. This data was obtained from an independent source, and at this time the only published data is an article from Schering-Plough (S/P).

Cleaning Protocols: There are only two products that kill this virus with a ten minute contact time. Trifectant and bleach (1/2 cup/gallon dilution) will successfully kill Parvo 2c. All other products that claim to kill parvo are not effective per Dr. Hall (Vaccination/ Shelter Specialist at SP) !!!!!!

Prognosis: The prognosis is extremely poor. Most puppies or dogs die acutely from the cardiac components of the disease process. If GI signs are present, the disease has progressed and is most likely fatal.

C.A.R.O. has had 4 cases of parvo this year in young dogs that came from bad situations right here in Ontario but it wasn't this strain of the virus. All four pups survived with proper vet care . C.A.R.O. will be monitoring any incoming animals closely and will continue to concentrate on keeping the companion animals of Oxford County healthy.