A Carnforth woman has warned dog owners of the dangers of a deadly virus after prompt action saved her pet's life.
Carol Sedgwick's two-year-old Havanese, Rubie, was critically ill with parvovirus which can cause death in dogs.
Parvovirus, which is largely assumed to be prevented by annual inoculations, damages the lining of the intestines, causing severe vomiting and diarrhoea and attacks infection-fighting cells inside the bone marrow, which weakens the immune system making it very difficult for dogs to recover.
Rubie is an important member of the family to Carol and her two young sons, so they were all alarmed when her typical energetic demeanour was suddenly replaced by whining and shivering.
When diarrhoea, containing blood, followed, Carol rushed her to Bay Vets as an emergency appointment.
Diagnosing canine parvovirus, a highly contagious acute gastrointestinal illness, they began urgent treatment, warning Carol the next 24 hours were critical.
After two days on intravenous medication, antibiotics, pain relief, replacement fluids and 24-hour observation, Rubie (below) was out of danger and on the slow road to recovery.
Delighted to get her loving dog back, Carol is putting the message out to all dog owners she knows, meets, and treats at her Carnforth Chiropodist practice.
“It was a terrible few days," she said.
"Parvovirus has a fatality rate of 91 per cent, even higher in younger, older and health compromised dogs. This is why I’m doing everything to alert fellow dog owners to please, please keep up to date with your dog’s vaccinations.
"If Rubie hadn’t been vaccinated, she would definitely have died. It’s largely spread by faeces, so I’m sure I don’t have to say this, but it’s another reason to always pick up after our dogs.
“Rubie, my sons and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Justina and the team at Bay Vets for their amazing care. Like most pet owners, I assumed our annual boosters covered this terrible disease, however I’ve learned no vaccination is 100 per cent effective. Bay Vets confirm quick action can make the difference between life or death, so contact yours immediately if you spot similar symptoms.”
Faced with a bill for over £800 for Rubie’s intensive treatment and medication, Bay Vets contacted the maker of Rubie’s vaccine (Zoetis), who contributed towards the costs as a sign of goodwill.
“The vets say small dogs, like Rubie, are even less likely to survive a parvovirus attack,” said Carol.
“She may only weigh 5kg, but having her back is worth 10 times her weight in gold!”
Second earthquake in two days hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Morecambe Bay
£2.5m funding boost for Eden Project Morecambe will help create new visitor zone
Four arrests made after robberies and burglaries at Morecambe and Lancaster shops
British Transport Police office returns to Lancaster Railway Station
Ryelands Community Connect scheme aims to bring together locals
Twenty vehicles caught speeding during police crackdown in Lancaster
Councillors call for halt to demolition of vandalised Morecambe 'youth hut'
Coastal pollution clean-up training to be held on Morecambe beach
Man seriously injured at Morecambe pub "making excellent progress" as investigation continues
Vandals target tractors used by King's Guide to Sands of Morecambe Bay to keep walkers safe
MP hopes for improved mobile signal at last as new mast installed in Lancaster
Maternity services at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary officially exit national special measures
Crews tackle kitchen fire in Lancaster
Opening date announced for animal rescue charity's new Morecambe home
Lancaster MP takes on Morecambe 10K in aid of new children's playground
Tributes paid to twice-Lancaster mayor who served on council for 56 years
Dancing Eric Morecambe Statue part of police campaign to warn about AI deepfakes
PHOTOS: Great Wall of China trek raises more than £300K for Lancaster hospice
Another earthquake hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
Fire crews tackle vehicle fire on M6 near Lancaster
