(This fictional story is for educational purposes only and does not depict a real pet or owner. It highlights the risks of buying pets from unregulated sources and the importance of vaccinations in preventing parvovirus.)

When Michelle saw an advertisement online regarding pug puppies for sale, she didn’t hesitate, as she had been wanting a cute canine companion for months.

However, when she attended the listed property to meet her pup, things felt a little off. A tiny male puppy was brought out to her, without her seeing the parents or any of the facilities, and with no ongoing diet or vaccination paperwork provided. Still, Michelle couldn’t resist the cute little pup in front of her (whom she had decided to name Pancake) and took him home.

Pancake was a bit quiet that day and didn’t eat much of the puppy food Michelle offered. By the following afternoon, he had developed foul-smelling, reddish diarrhoea, and rapidly became very lethargic. Panicked, Michelle called her local veterinary hospital for help, and was told to bring Pancake straight in.

Pancake was examined by the vet (who wore gloves and a protective gown) and was found to be dehydrated. Given his symptoms and incomplete vaccination history, she also collected a poo sample for parvovirus testing, which came back positive. The vet stated that Pancake was likely exposed to parvovirus before being obtained by Michelle. Unfortunately, this virus can cause severe illness affecting the gut and immune system, and can be life-threatening even with veterinary treatment.

Michelle immediately agreed for Pancake to be admitted to the vet hospital, where he would need to be kept in a special isolation ward (to prevent the spread of the very contagious virus).

Luckily, with intensive supportive veterinary treatment over the next few days, Pancake turned the corner and began to improve. After five days, he was able to go home on a special bland diet, and Michelle saw his little tail waggle for the first time.

Parvovirus can be prevented with regular C3 vaccinations, involving an initial puppy series and then regular boosters thereafter. Consult our vets regarding parvovirus protection for your canine companion.