Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 25/02) - Yellowknife's only veterinarian says dogs -- especially puppies -- are dying constantly from side-effects of parvovirus.

"It is very common," said Dr. Tom Pisz.

"It is the major killer of dogs up North right now."

Parvovirus attacks dogs that are not vaccinated. All dogs can get the canine form of the virus but those with weakened immune systems stand little chance of surviving.

That was the case over Christmas when a pregnant and abandoned stray dog from Ndilo was brought to the Great Slave Animal Hospital. She gave birth to nine live puppies, six of which Matthew Grogono offered to foster until they were adopted.

"Then Snowflake got sick," he said about the first husky-cross puppy he brought back to the clinic.

"She progressively got worse," he added.

"She was glossy-eyed, on (intravenous) and going into shock. You could see her starting to slip away."

Grogono soon had to bring back two more and the last three right after. Snowflake and two others did not make it.

Pisz said the best way to make sure dogs do not get sick because of the parvovirus is to keep puppies away from other dogs, and people that have been in contact with other dogs.

"You can bring the virus on your shoes and on your clothes," Pisz explained, adding it is not threatening to humans or many other animals.

Once the puppies reach six to eight weeks, they should be brought in for their first vaccination. They should be immunized again 10 and 14 weeks later. Puppies of stray dogs are more apt to contract the virus since antibodies through mother's milk can build up the immune system.

"Of course, most stray dogs are not vaccinated," Pisz said.

Symptoms of canine parvovirus are depression, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and severe diarrhea.

"It is not that difficult to prevent that disease," Pisz said, but added he sees cases constantly.

"There is just a problem of unwanted dogs and cats."

Three of Grogono's six foster puppies survived and he ultimately kept one and named her Maggie. She was strong enough to take home on Jan. 20.