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Tori
04-12-2007, 05:58 AM
I lost my baby today to Parvo. I wanted to share his story to maybe help someone whose dog also is unlucky and to perhaps get advice as to how to stop this happening with any future puppys I might have.

I live in Egypt, alone in an apartment. I found Casper outside a supermarket being abused by some children. When I got to him he was shaking and and I could not find his mum anywhere - he was only 6 weeks old and he found a place in my heart instantly. I wrapped him in my towel and took him home. The next day we were at the vets for an exam and he was just week with some skin infections. I kept him at home for a couple of weeks then he was good to have his vaccinations. He perked up and was such a happy little doggy. I found some great people who were offering doggy day care and booked him in so he was not alone when I was at work. During the day he had fun with his doggy friends and then at night he played with me. Everything was going well until a week ago when he had an upset tummy. We went straight to the vets and he had shots and meds and seemed to be better for a couple of days. Then all went horribley wrong. He desperately ill and I rushed him to the vets. They confirmed parvo but said he had a fighting chance because he had been vaccinated. I was told that there is no cure for Parvo only treatment of the symptoms. So we started a intensive course of therapy. Injections, drips and loads of love. He progressively got worse until this morning when he died in my arms. The symptoms are horrifying but I was told he would either get better or not and it was unfair not to give him a chance. I have had 3 days of sheer torture seeing him so ill. At least he is in peace now.

There is a big problem at the moment with this desease and I am horrified that there is no cure. If anyone has any information on how to disinfect my home - cures - or charities that research this terrible desease - I would be grateful.

In loving memory of Casper

Aurora
04-12-2007, 06:40 AM
So sorry to hear about your puppy, thats so sad you must be destrought. Unfortunatly I can't help with your question but I'm sure someone on here will know something.

Big Hugs.

Doberman's
04-12-2007, 07:10 AM
HUGS I am very sorry for your loss.

KatzNK9
04-12-2007, 08:57 AM
Hello and welcome to the forum. I'm sorry to hear the sad news about Casper. Poor little guy had a rough life until he found you but I'm sure he felt lucky to have found you and enjoyed his days being much loved.

The only defense I know of is puppy vaccinations and keeping the pup isolated from other animals until after his 2nd jab. It is unfortunate that your pup didn't have the right start in life prior to meeting you to ensure his health.

I hope somebody else here will be able to offer advice on cleaning your apartment to remove any dangers to future pets or offer advice on how long you should wait to bring in another animal just to be safe.

{{{ Hugs }}}

sheplovr
04-12-2007, 09:09 AM
I would totally clean up with bleach before another pet comes in. I would wait a month also. I am very sorry this happened to you. Had the puppy had its set of vacs and nobody coming into the whelp area for 10 days it should of been fine with not getting parvo. But, being in Egypt maybe breeders and shelters do not give shots when they get pups in. Puppies must get shots in a series to protect against disease, kept wormed and until they get a Rabi shot I always advise keeping it home.

xsyd&palm
04-12-2007, 09:19 AM
I'm so sorry for your loss. That story brought tears to my eyes:( Sorry I don't have any info for you.

brunosmom
04-12-2007, 09:59 AM
Hi Tori....I am sorry about Casper...at least he was loved in the end...Parvo is a terrible diesease....it can linger on the ground for years!!! Thorough cleaning as Shep said with bleach anywhere Casper could of containated body fluids....some breeds are more at risk than others...Rottweillers I know for sure are one...I had Bruno an extra shot when he was a pup because we had a outbreak close to where I live at that time when he was little .....and I didn't want to take any chances.....

brunosmom
04-12-2007, 10:04 AM
He's a link for infomation about Parvo....

http://www.workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm

Tori
04-12-2007, 10:04 AM
I was surprised to find out puppies even though they are vaccinated can catch Parvo. He still needed his rabbies but was not in contact with dogs who had not been vaccinated. There are a lot of street dogs here as you can imagine and I wonder if perhaps an infected dog had been in the communal area of my apartment. The vet has said this is the most cases they have seen in the last 9 years and it is spread by any body fluids from dog to dog or dog to human to dog. Amazing.

I have bleached the whole apartment including rugs, sofa, shoes and laundry. Not sure what colour they will all end up but hoping its enough!

Thank you all for your help and any suggestions are welcomed. In return if anyone wants further details of caspers experience as they are in a similar situation please feel free to contact me and I will try to give as much information as I can from what I have learnt in the last few days.

Maggie
04-16-2007, 09:52 AM
So sorry to hear about your loss Tori. :grouphug:
It must have been awful for you and little Casper. (((Hugs)))

xcolbi
04-16-2007, 09:59 AM
I'm so sorry for your loss. Casper's story brought tears to my eyes. It's so hard to lose someone you love. :sad-smiley-002:

lovingpaws
04-20-2007, 08:20 PM
Sorry for your loss. I lost 4 dogs of my own and 3 that I sat for in the past. It's very hard. I take comfort in knowing I'll see them again one day.

As for your question Bleach is the most effective, but the virus can still live up to 6 months in your apt. If you bring another dog home FIRST Have your vet draw blood and draw a titre to check it's immunity. An adult dog will have a stonger immune sysytm. Go to below site. Has lots of info.

http://www.workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm

PomeranianCrazy
04-20-2007, 09:31 PM
Sorry for your loss, i know how you feel I also lost my baby girl today but not to Parvo. Its hard trust me i know. {Hugs} to you and your family

Tori
04-28-2007, 12:44 PM
After much cleaning and disinfection I had made the decision to take Goldie another homeless puppy who had been friends with Casper. She was due to have her final set of injections in 2 weeks then move in. Unfortunately she contracted a different virus where she was living and died. I am taking this as a sign that I am not supposed to have a dog. May be Egypt is not the place for a pet.

At least they will both be playing together now.

KatzNK9
04-28-2007, 12:51 PM
Oh Tori, I'm so sorry. Please don't take this as a sign that you're not meant to have a dog. You have just had the worst luck. I'm sure there are places where you can find a healthy dog. Hugs to you.

lovingpaws
04-28-2007, 01:34 PM
I'm sorry too. You've had much heartache. Don't take it as a sign either. I'm sure there must be healthy dogs, Older dogs have stronger immune system and are healthier.

Janimal
04-30-2007, 10:24 AM
So sorry for the loss of your puppy.:sadsmiley: