GEORGE NEWS - Since last week the Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) has noted an increase in cases of canine distemper and parvovirus in George.
According to GRSPCA head inspector, Salomé Bruyns, most of these cases were reported in Thembalethu and Syferfontein.
"We've had various cases in Hansmoeskraal, Rosedale and Eden Park, and although it's difficult to give you an exact figure, most of the cases came from Thembalethu and Syferfontein with Thembalethu being the current hotspot in the area," she said.
She warned that if your dog is showing any of the symptoms you should contact your vet urgently. Do not take the animal into the vet reception area until you are called, as both the conditions are highly contagious.
"The only way to fight these horrible diseases is to make sure that your pet's vaccinations are up to date.
"Our inspectors are picking up sick animals daily, but we have put all protocols in place to prevent contamination of our kennels," Bruyns said.
The precautionary measures include that no adoptions, boarding of animals, dog walking or cat cuddling will take place for the next week.
Normal treatments will continue in an isolated location in order to avoid cross contamination. All treated animals will return home on the day of treatment.
Symptoms of parvovirus
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Vomiting
- Severe, often bloody diarrhoea.
- Symptoms of canine distemper
- Watery to pus-like discharge from the eyes
- Fever, nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite and vomiting.
The virus is spread through the air, and by direct or indirect contact (i.e. utensils, bedding) with an infected animal.
It attacks the respiratory, urogenital, and nervous systems. Dogs that are not vaccinated that come into any kind of contact with an infected animal are at particularly high risk of contracting the disease.
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