Parvovirus Scare - What do you think?

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Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter had to partially shut down on Tuesday as a result of a puppy infected with parvovirus. As a result, all four of the puppies that were dropped off were euthanized.

What do you think?
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tags: puppies, puppy, pets, parvovirus + add tags
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location: Belgrade, Montana
posted on Thu, May 01, 2008 10:01 AM
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What's to think? byshane3 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
It sounds like they are responding appropriately to a problem that could have become much more serious. So what?
Good for them bycowgirlmedic3 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
They are acting as they should. You can't vaccinate a dog for parvo when they already have it...so they are preventing spread of a deadly virus.

Why?
Hadn't heard of Parvo... byTahoe193 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Here's some info: http://www.workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm

I misread your post the first time around. Those puppies, unless they were already on the brink of death, should have been given a chance. There are treatments that can be done. I understand that it would cost to treat, but to me that shows the value that is placed on animals lives. Were they tested first to confirm they all had it?

I think a lot of people don't take pet ownership seriously. "Oh let's get a dog, as long as I don't have to pay for vaccinations, or be inconvenienced by it if I don't have time or have to maintain it in any way."...yes, a bit of a tangent here...my apologies, but it frustrates me how pets are regarded as play things. I was once told by someone, when my dog needed surgery to correct a hip problem, that I should just put it down and get another one. Disposable. It made me sick to hear that. I understand unforseen circumstances, but it is a commitment. You wouldn't even consider putting your child down (not that you could) if they needed a medical procedure. But an animals life apparently has no value.

Look into a dog's eyes when they are happy, excited, scared, terrified and try to tell me they don't feel. Their lives have much value. I'm not an activist, just a pet owner that takes my job very seriously. My animals are part of my family. They have rules to follow, they get love, they are tended to and taken care of (feeding, walks, baths, and yes, poop cleanup!).

I don't necessarily blame the Humane Society (as the responsiblity really lies in the owner to spay and neuter to prevent unwanted puppies/kitties) but if the pups were exhibiting first signs and could have been saved, I think it should have been attempted. I will make myself understand if they were gravely ill.

Again, my apologies for going off here, but my heart goes out to the unwanted and mistreated animals in the world.
Parvo Treatment byMeetMeNMontana3 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Your right there are several treatments for Parvo. We got a puppy about two years ago and found out less than a week later that she had the disease (apparently she had it when we purchased her). We spent almost $3,000 with vet bills, treatment, and her stay in the pet "hospital." In the end she passed away and the vet said that it was because she was so young and her immune system couldn't yet fight off the disease even with the meds they were giving her.

I agree with you Tahoe - people do treat dogs, and other animals, as though they are dispensible. When it comes time to pay for the pet they often forget it is a living, breathing thing that needs care. We had our poodle less than a week and didn't think twice about spending what was needed to try and save her life. Unfortunatley this was in vain .. but I would do it again if I could go back because at least I know we attempted to give her the best care possible.
missing the point bycowgirlmedic3 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Sure, parvo can be treated, but you can't cure it. It is a virus and a highly contagious one at that. The shelter did the right thing. I'm sure the last thing they wanted to do was put the puppies down. We don't know the circumstances around it-such as how old the puppies were, weight, severity of the virus etc. If they felt they could have saved the dogs, I am sure they would have.

As for the owners of the dogs-they did the right thing also. Taking them to the shelter was the probably the best thing for the puppies. If not for that, they could have died a painful death or could be running the streets and infecting other pets.
over-sensitivity byDrogoscg3 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Animals are not human beings. Stop watching the Disney movies that make animals seem human and become more rational. No country can support stray animals economically. Domesticated animals have to be euthanized when the money is not there to support them. It is sad, but a reality. dealing with domesticated animals is like dealing with triage patients in a time of war. Some will be lost. Why? Money is like blood. Hemorraging money may as well be like losing blood.