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
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.
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
‘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.