Grenada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) - Parvo Virus
As World Animal Week approaches, October 4 - 10, the Grenada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) would like to remind the public to please have your pets vaccinated. We have seen a tremendous amount of puppies with canine parvovirus.
Parvo is a highly contagious disease! Symptoms: dog will stop eating, become depressed, have a fever, vomiting and a large amount of extremely watery and bloody diarrhea. At this point, most young dogs and unhealthy dogs will likely die due to dehydration and bacterial sepsis (infection of the blood) unless taken to a veterinary clinic. The treatment then is: IV (intravenous) fluids to keep it well hydrated and given antibiotics to prevent sepsis. Usually the dog will stay in hospital for 4 - 5 days but may require IV fluids for up to 10 days.
Parvovirus can live in the environment for a long period of time. To clean an infected area, dilute 1 part bleach to 20 parts water. Because it is so hard to kill the virus in the dirt and grass, keep young puppies isolated from all other dogs. Puppies will derive some protection against parvo from the mother's milk. When puppies reach 6 - 8 weeks they should be vaccinated against parvovirus.
The GSPCA is happy to welcome Dr. Donald Schrank our volunteer Veterinarian from the United States. Dr. Schrank is seeing animals at our clinic on Lowther's Lane every morning except Tuesdays and Sundays. On Tuesdays the GSPCA is offering low cost spay / neuter surgeries. This is the time to get your dogs "FIXED" so they do not produce any more unwanted puppies!!! Please phone the GSPCA at 440-4874, please take note the number listed in the new phone book is incorrect!!
The GSPCA Animal Shelter has many nice healthy puppies and cats for adoption. All our animals are vaccinated and neutered before they leave the shelter. Feel free to stop in and visit the Animal Shelter on Lowther's Lane next to the Ministerial Complex, Monday - Friday from 8:30 am till 4:00 pm and Saturday's from 9:00 am till Noon.
The GSPCA a non-profit charity organization and needs your support to help the poor animals who cannot afford health care. Every penny you donate to the GSPCA Animal Shelter helps prevent suffering of unwanted or neglected animals!! Send your donations to GSPCA, PO Box 156, St. George's Grenada.
