!!!My puppy has PARVO!!! :(
 

:eek: I am so frightned!!!! I just found out yesterday at the vet that my 4 month old puppy has PARVO! I know little about the virus, although i have a borchure on it and it states my rights etc. Upon purchasing the puppy from the breeder (march 6th, 2005) I was told by her that along with the free voucher for a free pet examination to a vet she reffered me to in HER area...that the shot records etc. would be at the vet for me to pick up and get copies of to take to a vet of my choice. I basically just wanted to go there for a "Free" examination. So i go there, forgetting to get records of her shots etc. I get her examined and she had Hookworms. She got treated for that and that was that..i left. Now, a week 1/2 later my puppy threw up her treat i gave her the other night and was acting lethargic so i called the vet and once i said "threw up the treat" they got worried and wanted to test for PARVO. Sure enough it tested positive, they took her away immediatley and she is being hospitalized for 4-6 days with IV treatments. The doctor said she is progressing very well. We caught it in the EARLY stages..and she only has diareah-sp? ...NO fever, bloody diareah, high white cell count, etc. So that is a good thing they say. I went and visited her today and it was the saddest thing..she was very happy to see me though...I want to try and get the breeder to pay for my vet bills. Does anybody have any advice on what i should do? Im having all documentation and writing a statement (what the brochure says to do) and telling her it's against the law (florida statue 828.29) to sell a dog without proper shots, or if the dog is unfit/unhealthy at the time of purchase. (sigh) ...any suggestions???? :confused:

Good that they caught it early. Did the breeder promise you anything in writing? Hope your little gal gets better soon!

this may be a stupid question, but are you sure she came home to you with parvo and didnt just pick up parvo after she was in your care??? what is the incubation period for parvo???? also, i thought it was trasnferred by feces, (besides the obvious... she got it from the breeder) do you have any other pets? has she been in recent contact with any dog that did not have its shots? They can pick up parvo from something as simple as a dog park, or a neighbors yard.

Also, im a little confused on the shots aspect.... i thought you said that they were at the vet to pick up and just forgot????

I am not doubting youre story, i am just trying to get all the facts before i make a judgement

I'm so sorry to hear this, but am glad that you caught it so early! I hope your puppy feels better soon, please keep us updated on the situation..

No not really just but she did tell me she would replace the puppy or refund my money if anything. But she is telling me this is MY fault..not hers and she's not paying anything. So were going to have to take it to another level...

I went to the vet to get her examined..no shots were needed at the time of my visit, i didn't double check with the vet dr. to make sure she was up to date i just told him she was assuming he read her file and knew that she had shots there..but she didn't. So when i left i was supossed to take a copy of her records with me to transfter to another vet..but i forgot to do that. So about not even a week later, i called them up and they told me she hasn't been there since 2003..then i called her and she told me she gave the shots to my puppy herself..which is something other than what she told me to begin with..I have no other pets..it's hard to determin whether the puppy got it in my care or not..bottom line is, is that the proper shots weren't given and if they are...she has no proof. She basically lied to me.

I was very naieve and stupid for assuming things, this i know..now i know my lesson the hard way. :(

i read that Parvo takes 7-10 days from the time of exposure to begin to show symptoms and test postive for it . . .

BUT dogs that HAVE survived Parvo CAN get it again, so you should check and see if your yorkie had Parvo prior to the date you brought her home from the breeder, if so the breeder should have told you.

here are some link that i found on Parvo . . .
http://www.workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm
http://www.peteducation.com/article....&articleid=467
http://www.cah.com/dr_library/parvo.html

i hope your babi feels better soon!!!
~Cielo

Thank you. :) i will check those later ..for now i have to go to work .. :rolleyes:

If you haven't taken your pup anywhere like a park, petsmart or taking her walking around or exposing her to any other dogs, it's my guess she had it when you brought her home. Wonder if any of her other dogs have come down with it. This is a good reminder to other future new puppy owners to keep unvaccinated pups away from other dogs. I have always been told by my vets that they don't count the shots that the breeder gave because of the posibilty that the breeder didn't really give any shots. It's my gut feeling that your pup got parvo from the breeders home. I hope she does well and come home to you soon. I know you are terribly worried and upset. Please keep us posted on her progress.

After going through something similar myself about a month ago, this is my suggestion. First, calm down - I don't mean to sound ugly, I know you are terribly upset about your puppy, but you need to get organized. Get all of your paper work together from the breeder, her vet and your vet. (If I understand correctly, you are using your own vet now.) You have got to figure out what kind, if any, shots were given to her and by whom. It sounds like she lied and the vet didn't give her any so that's one strike there. Then, you have got to speak with your vet to figure out if your puppy came sick. I'm understanding you had her about a week and a half? I think that could be within the incubation period. If so, you should get you vet to write a detailed letter describing all of the problems she has had and that she was a sick puppy when you bought her (if that is their opinion). Get them to really back you up. Then, if you really have right on your side, chances are there will be another dog there with parvo, too - especially if it is a big breeder. I wouldn't go around in circles, I would use words like "Humane Soc., Consumer Prot. Agency, State Leg." etc. These babies cost way too much and vet bills sky rocket so quickly that if yours was sick when you bought it, she should be held responsible.

I really hope your baby gets better soon. It's so awful seeing them so sick. That's really the bottom line - that she gets better!

Sorry to here about your new bab.
I think Gingi has very good advise about what you should do.
I hope things will turn out alright!

Luvmypupster- My vet does the same thing. He doesn't count the shots from the breeder.

Mydogkelsey- I am thinking and praying for your little pup. I think he got it before you brought him home. This is really a reminder of why we should not take our pups out untill all their shots are done. If you didn't take your pup out your breeder really needs to reimburse you for the vet bill. Just be persistant.

I hope your little one will be ok.


Florida has a good puppy lemon law and if your pup was diagnosed within the 14 days the breeder is liable per that law. If she doesn't help, report it.
She may get by the law if she hasn't sold more than 20 pups or 2 litters a year though.


I do give my own puppy shots and don't like vets redoing shots. It can hurt the pup more than help. If they get another shot less than 2 weeks after I give one it can interfere with the immune response and neither shot may be effective.

I won't expose my pups to a vets office where sick dogs are for the first shot. But, my shots are documented on each pups papers with the date, brand, lot number and expiration date. A sticker is right on the vial to attach to the puppy record.

My pups do see the vet before going to new homes, but after I have given 2 shots. I don't take them out of their crate there until I put them on the table on their own puppy pad.

My new puppy owners are instructed to keep the pup inside and no visiting anywhere until 10 days after the 3rd shot is given after 12 weeks of age.

I am so sorry to hear your little girl is sick...thank god she was diagnosed early!! I hope she has a speedy recovery....about the breeder, do everything you can to get what is right, report her if needed!!

I heard the parvo virus can stay in the enviroment for years...

I manage my pups the sameway cc does. also be sure and bleach everything she waS in and walked like your floors. my vet says to spray yard with bleach water if they was out there. I like to learn all i can so i read and ask lots of questions

sorry for the long post...but i really liked the info i found on this site: www.animalclinic.com.


PARVOVIRUS INFECTION

*What is Canine Parvo?

Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a relatively new disease that appeared in 1978. Because of the severity of the disease and its rapid spread through the canine population, CPV has aroused a great deal of public interest. The virus that causes it is very similar to feline distemper, and the two diseases are almost identical. Therefore, it has been speculated that the canine virus is a mutation of the feline virus. However, that has never been proven.

*How does a dog become infected with parvovirus?

The causative agent of CPV disease, as the name infers, is a virus. The main source of the virus is the feces of infected dogs. The stool of an infected dog can have a high concentration of viral particles. Susceptible animals become infected by ingesting the virus. Subsequently, the virus is carried to the intestine where it invades the intestinal wall and causes inflammation.

Unlike most other viruses, CPV is stable in the environment and is resistant to the effects of heat, detergents, and alcohol. CPV has been recovered from dog feces even after three months at room temperature. Due to its stability, the virus is easily transmitted via the hair or feet of infected dogs, contaminated shoes, clothes, and other objects. Direct contact between dogs is not required to spread the virus. Dogs that become infected with the virus and show clinical signs will usually become ill within 7-10 days of the initial infection.

*How does this disease affect the dog?

The clinical manifestations of CPV disease are somewhat variable, but generally take the form of severe vomiting and diarrhea. The diarrhea may or may not contain blood. Additionally, affected dogs often exhibit a lack of appetite, depression, and fever. It is important to note that many dogs may not show every clinical sign, but vomiting and diarrhea are the most common signs; vomiting usually begins first. Parvo may affect dogs of all ages, but is most common in dogs less than one year of age. Young puppies less than five months of age are often the most severely affected and the most difficult to treat.

*How is it diagnosed?

The clinical signs of CPV infection can mimic other diseases causing vomiting and diarrhea; consequently, the diagnosis of CPV is often a challenge for the veterinarian. The positive confirmation of CPV infection requires the demonstration of the virus in the stool or the detection of anti-CPV antibodies in the blood serum. Occasionally, a dog will have parvovirus but test negative for virus in the stool. Fortunately, this is not a common occurrence. A tentative diagnosis is often based on the presence of a reduced white blood cell count (leukopenia). If further confirmation is needed, stool or blood can be submitted to a veterinary laboratory for the other tests. The absence of a leukopenia does not always mean that the dog cannot have CPV infection. Some dogs that become clinically ill may not necessarily be leukopenic.

*Can it be treated successfully?

There is no treatment to kill the virus once it infects the dog. However, the virus does not directly cause death; rather, it causes loss of the lining of the intestinal tract. This results in severe dehydration, electrolyte (sodium and potassium) imbalances, and infection in the bloodstream (septicemia). When the bacteria that normally live in the intestinal tract are able to get into the blood stream, it becomes more likely that the animal will die.

The first step in treatment is to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This requires the administration of intravenous fluids containing electrolytes. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given to prevent or control septicemia. Antispasmodic drugs are used to inhibit the diarrhea and vomiting that perpetuate the problems.

*What is the survival rate?

Most dogs with CPV infection recover if aggressive treatment is used and if therapy is begun before severe septicemia and dehydration occur. For reasons not fully understood, some breeds, notably the Rottweiler, have a much higher fatality rate than other breeds.

*Can it be prevented?

The best method of protecting your dog against CPV infection is proper vaccination. Puppies receive a parvo vaccination as part of their multiple-agent vaccine given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. In some situations, veterinarians will give the vaccine at two week intervals and an additional booster at 18 to 20 weeks of age. After the initial series of vaccinations when the dog is a puppy, all dogs should be boostered at least once a year. Dogs in high exposure situations (i.e., kennels, dog shows, field trials, etc.) may be better protected with a booster every six months. Pregnant bitches should be boostered within two weeks of whelping in order to transfer protective antibodies to the puppies. The final decision about a proper vaccination schedule should be made by your veterinarian.

*Is there a way to kill the virus in the environment?

The stability of the CPV in the environment makes it important to properly disinfect contaminated areas. This is best accomplished by cleaning food bowls, water bowls, and other contaminated items with a solution of one cup of chlorine bleach in a gallon of water ( 4 to 8 ounces of bleach in a gallon of water OR 250 mL in 4 liters of water). It is important that chlorine bleach be used because most "virucidal" disinfectants will not kill the canine parvovirus.

*Does parvovirus pose a health risk for me? How about for my cats?

It is important to note that at the present time, there is no evidence to indicate that CPV is transmissible to cats or humans.

i don't know if this will help but my mother who is a breeder has had puppies come down with parvo. here is what she does first all money goes back to the buyer even if it is not her fault. ( her puppies always have 2 sets of shots and are vet cked two times before leaving ) next the puppy comes back to her and here is her secret she feeds the puppy light karo egg yolks and puppy milk replacer all mixed up 6 times a day. in all the years she has been breading she has yet to lose a baby. when the puppy is better she has it spayed and if the owner wants it back he goes home. this is hard work and i have seen it done. it takes work form the vet and puppy owner. my mother came across this from a vet that she worked with for years. good luck and i hope all goes well ;)

Am I understanding this correctly? You have a contract from the breeder with a health guarantee? What is the period on that guarantee? What are the exact terms? Read it very carefully. If you think the contract expressly promises you a healthy puppy (which is should but does not necessary do), what I would do is bring a claim in small claims court for your vet bills. The advantage to small claims court or municipal court is that you do not need a lawyer and there’s usually an expedited process so you can recoup your lost funds and focus on your puppy’s health faster.

Remember to keep all your receipts. Document all your expenses! These should be the original reciepts and not a summary you've made up. You'll need to be able to prove the exact amount of money you have lost.

Also, hold onto any correspondences you have with the breeder and your vet. If you have a verbal conversation with the breeder, follow-up immediately with a letter, documenting what was said in the conversation and retain a photocopy of the letter with the post mark date for your records (I would even send these letters registered mail so that you have the return receipt as evidence that your breeder received your letter).

My heart goes out to you. Know how it feels to have a dog in the ICU. Best wishes to you and your pup for a quick and full recovery!

Great advice! Great Post!

your story is kinda like me although beaker never got parvo.. i did get him from a women in fl where i live and he was so sickly and i didnt get nothing in writing.... she also did shots herself.... i hope all goes well... where did you get your baby from..

I've already done everything you mentioned above....I am taking this to a small claims court and requesting she pay for my vet bills. There is no PROOF that my dog has picked up the Parvo in my care...but it could've been prevented if her immunizations were up to date and if I had proof of a health certificate and records of what shots exactly she's had etc. I didn't even know anything about Parvo until i went to the 2nd vet i'm at. The dog was born 11/20 and she sold her to me 3/6 so i sent her to the other (first vet with free examination) first about 9 days later. It was hard for me to get her to one right away with work and everything. Aside from all of that..i have all my documents, receipts, a letter from the 2nd vet im at now stating she does have parvo, hookworm and is being hospitalized for 4 days etc. Both vet's are on my side..so things are looking good. I have a feeling she will not cooperate though..and I will not see any $ any time soon.

Forgot to mention...I've read up on my rights and everything, and have called her within the two days i have stated in the pet lemon law, to call her and let her know of the pet being sick. (that didnt go over so smoothly) and then after 3 days i HAVE to send her a letter stating what's going on etc. , contact information and a resolution...and of course a copy of my vet bills, letter from vet etc. So i am orgainzed and have researched all of this thoroughly-sp? first..believe me!

UPDATE: Kelsey is doing wonderful!!! Dr. called today while i was at work to tell me she was doing well and that she can come home tomorrow with 3 pills to take for a week and she should be fine. I still have to clean my whole house and disenfect everything with bleach and stuff...but I'm just as excited as can be!!! I will keep ya'll posted. Thanks so much for your support and consideration.
:)

I got her through the pet and livestock classifides in my local newspaper..shes a local breeder.

I'm so glad she is doing well. I can't imagine how devastated I would be if this happened to my Sophie. Hang in there.

Give that pup a kiss from Sophie!

I am sooooo glad she is doing better! :D I know you can't wait to bring her home. I hate that you feel you won't get any help on vet bills. The main thing is that your puppy is going to be fine and healthy. :animal-sm Let us know how she continues to progress.

Thats so great that Kelsey is doing better and gets to come home to get some TLC. You have really been through the ringer. I hope everything works out with your breeder.

Sick Puppy
 

My little Eddie is sick too. He has been to the vet twice this week and still does not seem any better. He still has an appetite but doesnt usually keep the food down. Today he had blood in his stool. I don't know what else to do. Any suggestions.

Get him to the vet right away. Blood in the stools can be parvo. It could be other things too but I would not mess around with it especially with his vomiting also. He could dehydrate on you quickly.

Eddiesmom- I just reread you post. Did your vet check for parvo??? Did he give you medication for an infection? Did he give you keopectate for your dog or tell you to give it? I don't mean to frighten you but I had a dog (lhasa Apso) and when it was a pup I noticed it had bloody stools. I called and made a vet appt. and the dog died an hour later. He had a seizure. It was parvo. If the vet didn't check for parvo take him to another vet that will. Im not saying it is it but you really need some intervention since hes also vomiting.