HORROR VIRUS HITS MORE THAN 100 DOGS IN ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST CITIES – LEAVING SOME PETS HOOKED UP TO IV DRIPS FOR DAYS
Source: Daily Mail (Extract)
Posted: July 2, 2021
A dangerous canine disease has spread through an inner-east Melbourne dog park, leaving some family pets struggling on intravenous drips for days at a time.
More than 100 dogs have been hit with gastro after attending Citizens Park in Richmond in the last three weeks since June 11.
The incredibly contagious virus has spread through Melbourne’s canine population, with some older and more vulnerable family pets struggling to pull through.
Richmond Vet Clinic partner Dr Ross Ansell told the Herald Sun on Thursday he believes dog gastroenteritis is now being spread to multiple suburbs.
‘I have a feeling it’s not just limited to Richmond but is going through the city’s inner suburbs,’ Dr Ansell said.
‘I had over a dozen a couple of days ago and close to 10 today.
‘It’s very unpleasant and very contagious.’
Dr Ansell said he had treated more than 100 family pets for the virus since June 11.
The signs of dog gastroenteritis are vomiting, diarrhoea, little to no appetite and lethargy, with symptoms lasting up to 10 days.
The pets that have been hit the hardest are being treated with drips to rehydrate them, while in normal circumstances dogs are only given medication to stop vomiting.
If you believe your dog is sick, vets advise keeping it at home to stop the spread of the virus which can be fatal for vulnerable animals.