Pet Resource Center Can Now Treat Parvo-Infected Puppies

BRANDON, FL -- Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center has successfully cared for a parvo-infected puppy for the first time since creating a special isolation center to deal with the highly contagious and often-fatal disease.

The 5-month-old mixed breed puppy, Snoopy, was found as a stray last week and tested positive for parvovirus, which primarily affects puppies and young dogs. The virus affects a dog’s gastrointestinal tract and can lead to dehydration, vomiting and loss of appetite. Most deaths occur within 72 hours after symptoms appear.

Because the virus is so contagious – it is easily transmitted, resistant to heat and cold, and can survive indoors or outdoors for long periods - most animal shelters are not equipped to deal with parvo-infected animals.

The Pet Resource Center, however, has created an isolation unit solely for parvo cases and, using grant money from Maddie’s Fund, recently sent veterinarian Mallory Offner to Austin, Texas, for several days of specialized training.

Snoopy was the first parvo-infected puppy to be treated at the Pet Resource Center. The puppy is now parvo-free and will be eligible for adoption.

Images via Pet Resource Center

Dr. Mallory Offner with Snoopy