Parvo outbreak strikes at Manatee County animal rescue

The deadly Canine parvovirus has hit Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue in Bradenton.

One puppy has died from the disease and another 22 that tested positive are now going through treatment, according to Karen Slomba, the rescue’s associate director.

The puppies were transported from a shelter in Georgia and had been vaccinated against the virus. It’s unusual for vaccinated puppies to get the illness, but it does happen, the rescue said.

“It’s important to note that Parvo can happen anywhere. It’s not really about where they came from,” Slomba said. “Puppies are the most susceptible.”

All the dogs infected with the virus at Nate’s were mixed-breed puppies. In all, 27 were exposed.

Most of the dogs that tested positive were transported to the Animal Ark of Arcadia veterinary office for treatment.

Canine parvovirus is a deadly disease that essentially destroys the intestines of dogs. Symptoms of the virus include severe vomiting, excessive diarrhea and lethargy.

“They can’t pick their head up off the ground,” Slomba said. “It just makes them really, really down and out.”

The good news? Some of the infected puppies are out of the woods and have tested negative, the rescue said. They all didn’t break on the same day, so their course of treatment has been staggered.

So far, the rescue has spent about $20,000 on medical supplies, veterinary bills and medicine, Slomba said. Expenses are expected to climb to as much as $30,000-$35,000 by the time the treatment is complete.

To donate to the animal rescue, call 941-747-4900 or visit nateshonoranimalrescue.org

This story was originally published January 19, 2018 at 2:57 PM with the headline "Parvo outbreak strikes at Manatee County animal rescue."