FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Animal shelter officials in Lee County are asking pet owners to be more vigilant after they’ve spotted a spike in dogs being treated or euthanized for a highly contagious virus.
Lee County Domestic Animal Services spokeswoman Ria Brown says her agency have euthanized several privately owned dogs suffering from Parvovirus over the past week. The viral disease affects the intestinal tract and can damage the heart muscle.
The News-Press of Fort Myers reports the virus can be fatal without treatment, which can cost up to $2,000.
Officials say dogs can survive with treatment, but the best course of action is vaccination. A vaccine costs about $10.
Symptoms of Parvovirus include sudden onset of severe vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
Source: Associated Press
