A dead dog found last week in a Dumpster at a mobile home park in Portland has been diagnosed with parvovirus. The diagnosis at Oregon State University’s Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory was part of an investigation by Multnomah County Animal Services officers, who subsequently have investigated three other confirmed instances locally of the highly infectious viral disease that affects dogs.

The virus known as canine parvovirus typically starts showing up in the fall. And these four confirmed local cases provide a good reminder to owners of both young puppies and adult dogs to vaccinate their pets before the animals are taken to public areas such as parks, parking lots, playgrounds and other community gathering spaces, according to Dr. Emilio DeBess, State Public Health Veterinarian.

"While the number of cases before the start of fall is higher than usual, dog owners can take steps now to get the needed series of vaccinations for their pet by scheduling an appointment with their veterinarian," Dr. DeBess said.

Symptoms of the virus include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, weakness and fever. The virus also attacks white blood cells, which leaves an infected dog much more susceptible to other bacterial infections. Transmission of the virus to a dog occurs via exposure to other dogs’ feces or via direct contact between dogs. About 85 percent of the dogs who get parvovirus develop gastrointestinal problems, and a smaller percentage can also develop heart disease. Older dogs are usually protected against the virus, but vaccinating for parvovirus even in a mature dog is important, Dr. DeBess said.

“If your dog has symptoms related to parvovirus, please take your pet to your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment,” Dr. DeBess said. “The disease is treatable and the sooner you get your dog to your veterinarian, the better chance it has to survive the infection.”

For more information about canine parvovirus, go to http://oregonvma.org/care-health/canine-parvovirus

All dogs entering the Multnomah County animal shelter are vaccinated for parvovirus.

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