For the past week we’ve had a stark reminder of the risks to dogs that roam the streets unvaccinated. Lockey, a 16 week old puppy has been receiving intensive treatment for a Parvovirus infection at the clinic.

Lockey presented to the clinic dehydrated, lethargic and running a high temperature. He was suffering from the most spectacular diarrhoea which literally looked like fresh blood was pouring from his bottom. Untreated, Lockey would quickly have succumbed to the infection and died. Luckily he was brought in just in time.

Though he’s not out of the woods yet, his treatment is going well and he has started wagging his tail and eating again. We are hopeful he will make a full recovery.

Head vet Dr. Dave Nicol who is treating Lockey said, “Thankfully this type of infection is uncommon in the Eastern Suburbs, but if any owners of dogs which are not vaccinated could see what poor Lockey had been through in the past week I doubt they’d be too happy to have their own pets run the risk of infection.

Parvovirus is a deadly viral infection in dogs that kills approximately half of all animal infected. It costs thousands of dollars to treat a parvovirus infection with no guarantee of success. The disease is completely preventable by a simple vaccination which costs less than $100.

The message? Why take the risk with your beloved family friend?  Vaccines are safe, effective and cheap. If you’ve not already got your pet vaccinated then do so today. Call us on (02) 93634045 if you are unsure about vaccines and what is best to do for your pet.