An outbreak of the potentially deadly parvovirus, which affects dogs, was still seen in full force Friday at some Santa Maria veterinary offices, while other local offices reported that the disease skipped over them.
A steep increase in the number of dogs infected with the virus was first reported earlier this month at the Santa Maria animal shelter run by Santa Barbara County Animal Services and at veterinary offices in the area.
Parvovirus is transmitted through feces. It can cause vomiting and bloody diarrhea, dehydration, shock or even death in dogs.
The virus, which is particularly prevalent among puppies, attacks the lining of a dog's digestive system, preventing the absorption of nutrients.
Animal Clinic of Santa Maria and All Valley Pet Hospital in Santa Maria, both of which saw increased numbers of dogs sick with parvovirus a week and a half ago, reported Friday that parvo incidences remained high.
However, employees of Adobe Animal Clinic, Evergreen Animal Clinic and Caring Hands Pet Clinic, all in Santa Maria, said their clinics had not experienced a parvo outbreak.
Susan Klein-Rothschild, assistant deputy director of the county Public Health Department, said there was no parvo outbreak in Santa Barbara.
Janic Seidenberg, officer manager of Animal Clinic of Santa Maria, said the office was still seeing a lot of parvovirus, and all in unvaccinated dogs.
Dr. Martin Vale, veterinarian at All Valley Pet Hospital, encouraged dog owners to vaccinate their pets against parvovirus, but warned that dogs who show symptoms of the virus should not be vaccinated.
Instead, dogs who show symptoms of the virus should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
Vale said dogs who have been exposed to the virus should not be vaccinated for two weeks after exposure, to ensure they do not develop the virus.
Samantha Yale can be reached at 739-2159 or syale@lompocrecord.com.
September 23, 2007
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