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Dozens of dogs – mostly puppies – die of a mystery illness that has left vets puzzled

A mystery illness is killing dozens of dogs across the US, mostly of them under the age of two.

The illness, concentrated in Otsego County in northern Michigan, has killed at least 20 dogs in the US.

The disease particularly affects puppies, causing bloody diarrhea and vomiting.

Dogs die within three to five days of infection. 

Doctors say the disease has similar symptoms to canine parvovirus, but most of the dogs tested for the illness were negative, and vaccinated dogs are dying too.

Michigan state officials are encouraging residents to keep their dogs at home if they are exhibiting any signs of illness and to contact their vet. 

Stock image: A mystery illness is striking down puppies under the age of two across the US. State officials are telling residents to stay up to date with vaccinations and keep dogs at home if they exhibit any symptoms

Stock image: A mystery illness is striking down puppies under the age of two across the US. State officials are telling residents to stay up to date with vaccinations and keep dogs at home if they exhibit any symptoms

State doctors say the mystery illness could be a new strain of parvovirus now sweeping across parts of the state.

In Otsego, eight dogs on the same street had all died in three days, said Clare County Animal Control Director Rudi Hicks, speaking with Clare County Clever.

Hicks believes the virus came out of Louisiana, but said it is spreading across the country.

WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD I LOOK FOR? 

Symptoms include lethargy, depression, and loss or lack of appetite, followed by a sudden onset of high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If your dog is experiencing bouts of bloody diarrhea and/or vomiting, parvovirus is only one of several potential culprits.

Source: Baker Institute

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There is no identified treatment for the new disease, she added. 

‘We have not spoken to this until now because we really don’t know anything,’ said Melissa FitzGerald, director of Otsego County Animal Shelter in Gaylord, Michigan.

‘The only thing is to make sure your pets are vaccinated and, at the first sign of illness, get to the veterinarian.’

One resident had to take his 10-year-old Labrador called Smokey to the vets after he started showing symptoms.

The puppy, which is vaccinated against Parvovirus, began vomiting after his energy levels dipped.

Smokey survived after his owner spent $2,500 in vet bills, but came very close to death’s door.

Parvovirus spreads from dog to dog and infects the intestinal tract.

Vets speaking with the New York Times encouraged owners to keep up to date with their vaccinations and to keep dogs indoors if they appear sick before contacting their vet.

Stock image: The disease particularly affects young dogs, causing bloody diarrhea and vomiting. In Otsego, eight dogs on the same street had all died in three days

Stock image: The disease particularly affects young dogs, causing bloody diarrhea and vomiting. In Otsego, eight dogs on the same street had all died in three days

‘If a dog is vaccinated, they will be in a much better place and less likely to get severe disease and need supportive treatment to keep them alive,’ said Dr. Nora Wineland, Michigan’s state veterinarian.

They also emphasized the importance of cleaning up after your dog.

Parvovirus is a fecal-oral virus, which can be more easily contracted if the owner does not clear up any dog waste left outside.

WHAT IS CANINE PARVOVIRUS?

There is an inculpation period of three to seven days before the onset of symptoms after the dog is infected with parvovirus. 

Parvovirus typically infects the lymph nodes and can cause a condition called lymphopenia.

Once in the bloodstream, the virus attacks cells in the bone marrow and the cells that line the walls of the small intestine.

Younger dogs are more at risk of the virus.

The virus can ultimately weaken the intestinal wall to the point where bacteria normally contained there enter the bloodstream.

As the virus also reduces the white blood cell count, infections quickly spread all around the body.

Dogs with late state infections usually die as a result of both dehydration and septic shock.

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