From behind the cages the dogs at the Virginia Beach SPCA are recovering well. But Veterinarian Melissa McKendry says the dogs are fighting a battle with a rare form of the Parvo virus. A strain that's already killed two dogs.
McKendry says, "In this facility we feel like we're getting it under control. We're treating the dogs that have mild clinical signs even if they don't test positive."
Unlike the typical form of Parvo this strain doesn't just affect pups with weak immune systems, but older dogs as well. Veterinarians have noticed the sick dogs have more neurological damage.
Because this seems to be a more aggressive form of the Parvo virus the Virginia Beach SPCA is taking extra precautions as they sanitize their facility. This includes putting up fences as they treat their grass.
For the last couple of days crews have been hard at work disinfecting the shelter by mopping down all the floors and cages to keep the virus from spreading.
But McKendry says the only way to protect your four legged friend is to keep them up to date with their shots.
McKendry adds the dogs that have had the proper vaccinations have not been infected. She adds, "We don't have to be overly concerned that our vaccines aren't going to protect us, we just need to make sure that we are vaccinating our dogs for Parvo virus."
The Virginia Beach SPCA hopes to open their doors by Thursday afternoon.
McKendry says, "In this facility we feel like we're getting it under control. We're treating the dogs that have mild clinical signs even if they don't test positive."
Unlike the typical form of Parvo this strain doesn't just affect pups with weak immune systems, but older dogs as well. Veterinarians have noticed the sick dogs have more neurological damage.
Because this seems to be a more aggressive form of the Parvo virus the Virginia Beach SPCA is taking extra precautions as they sanitize their facility. This includes putting up fences as they treat their grass.
For the last couple of days crews have been hard at work disinfecting the shelter by mopping down all the floors and cages to keep the virus from spreading.
But McKendry says the only way to protect your four legged friend is to keep them up to date with their shots.
McKendry adds the dogs that have had the proper vaccinations have not been infected. She adds, "We don't have to be overly concerned that our vaccines aren't going to protect us, we just need to make sure that we are vaccinating our dogs for Parvo virus."
The Virginia Beach SPCA hopes to open their doors by Thursday afternoon.
