INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Animal Care Services has seen an increase in canine parvovirus cases at the shelter and is encouraging dog owners to get their pets vaccinated.
Five dogs have tested positive for parvo since coming into IACS on Sunday. The dogs were able to stay with their owners and did not come in contact with the other dogs at the shelter.
IACS offered all five dogs treatment with a voucher.
“Parvo is a highly contagious and deadly virus,” IACS veterinarian Dr. Joe DeBrota said. “Parvo affects both young dogs and unvaccinated adult dogs; for both, it is often fatal.”
The virus is passed through stools and can last in the environment for a year. Parvo has no cure as it is a viral disease.
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), lethargy, pain, dehydration, sepsis, and death.
“It is imperative to have your dog or puppy vaccinated against parvo. It’s a preventable illness, and the vaccines are widely available,” Dr. DeBrota said.
As a preventative measure, IACS vaccinates all dogs at intake.
IACS will hold a free parvo vaccine clinic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 9 at Goodwin Center Parking Lot, 3935 West Mooresville Road Indianapolis, IN 46221.
-
Kelley School economist: Bloomington economy should diversify beyond IU
However, Indiana Business Research Center executive director Phil Powell believes the city needs to think beyond campus to economically thrive.
Local Marine veteran receives surprise medical debt relief
November is National Veterans and Military Family Month, and a major initiative in central Indiana is providing life-changing debt relief to honor veterans' service and sacrifice.
Greenwood Education Foundation is providing free mental health resources
Whether it's yoga, a suicide prevention walk, or highlight mental health week, GHS is working to make students comfortable.
Rival cities unite to fight hunger before big game
A cross-town rivalry between Carmel and Westfield is taking on new meaning this football season, as the two Hamilton County communities compete to raise money for those facing food insecurity.
