LAWRENCE CO. HUMANE SOCIETY ASKING FOR $$$ AFTER SEVERE VIRUS OUTBREAK SPREADS AMONG DOGS AT ANIMAL SHELTER
JANUARY 26, 2017 – written by WADE QUEEN
First it was the school children getting a mysterious rash outbreak in the Louisa East Building in the last few days. Now there is also an illness sweeping the dogs at the Lawrence County animal shelter.
Volunteer workers with the Lawrence County Humane Society say they are urgently in need of financial help from the local community.
Several puppies at the shelter have broken out with the parvo virus over the past week. These sick dogs are being treated but money is needed for the veterinarian bills that the animal shelter will incur with the extensive treatment that the dogs will need to get them back to health.
The Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV2, colloquially parvo) is a contagious virus mainly affecting dogs, and thought to originate in cats. The current consensus is that the feline panleukopenia mutated into CPV2. Parvo is highly contagious and is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces. Vaccines can prevent this infection, but mortality can reach 91% in untreated cases. Treatment often involves veterinary hospitalization. Canine parvovirus may infect other mammals; however, it will not infect humans
Canine parvovirus is a particularly deadly disease among young puppies, about 80% fatal, causing gastrointestinal tract damage and dehydration as well as a cardiac syndrome in very young animals. It is spread by contact with an infected dog’s feces. Symptoms include lethargy, severe diarrhea, fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, and dehydration. Dogs, cats and swine can be vaccinated against parvovirus.
Anyone who would like to make a money donation to the Lawrence County Humane Society for the treatment of the dogs can do so on PayPal at lchshelter@hotmail.com or by mail to PO Box 1331 Louisa, KY 41230.
