A CIRENCESTER vet is warning dog owners after she saved a young puppy from a deadly disease.

Otter, a labrador, was brought to see vet Martina Eyre-Brook at her Vets4Pets practice in Cirencester last month for his second set of vaccinations.

Otter in isolation with his favourite teddy

But the 10-week-old was vomiting and suffered from diarrhoea when he arrived at the practice.

It was then a five day fight to save Otter’s life began, during which it was confirmed he had contracted canine parvovirus, commonly known as parvo.

Vet Martina, said: “Due to the vomiting and diarrhoea Otter wasn’t well enough to have any vaccinations.

“On checking his vaccination record I noticed he was given his first vaccine in Wales, but the owner reported they had bought the puppy in Gloucester.

Otter struggling to cope with Parvo

“The owner told me that the person they collected Otter from, was not the person they had spoken to, and they had done limited research into buying a puppy.

“We started treatment immediately and blood and parvovirus tests were carried out, the latter soon being confirmed and it was then that Otter collapsed.”

There is no specific cure for parvovirus and sadly many dogs die from the disease.

“After five days of treatment we could do no more and it was at this point we thought we’d lose him, it seemed Otter just wouldn’t pull through.” admitted Martina.

Otter takes his first steps outside as he starts to recover from parvo

“But, just as we thought it was the end, he stopped vomiting and, within 12 hours was, eating again.

“Within 24 hours he had more interest in food, had ventured on a little walk outside and showed signs that he would recover after all.

“Otter continued to receive intensive nursing care for a further two days and, after a week, was able to start taking medication by mouth rather than by injection.

“However, all of this could have been completely preventable had Otter been bought from a reputable breeder and correctly vaccinated.

“Thankfully he is now well on the road to a full recovery, but many puppies and dogs aren’t as lucky as Otter, with parvovirus killing many of the pets it infects.”

Otter resting with his favourite teddy

Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease spread by direct contact with saliva or faeces of an infected animal, and is most likely to infect puppies up to six months of age.

It can affect older dogs as well, especially dogs that are not up to date with their annual vaccinations. Unfortunately outbreaks are still commonly reported in the UK, including a number this year.

Otter is recovering well

In total Otter’s treatment cost £4,150, compared to primary vaccination course, which is just £70.

Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: “Martina and her team at did exactly what vets and vet nurses do across the UK, rapidly identifying the signs of illness and reacting quickly with appropriate care and treatment.

Otter has learned to play

“To help avoid the situation Otter faced, we’d encourage anyone thinking of buying a puppy to carry out research into the most suitable breed for their lifestyle amongst other things, including time, their home environment and cost, before making a choice.

“When you have your heart set on getting a puppy it can be tempting to respond to the first online advert that offers what you are looking for, but this is rarely the best plan.

“Many pets, particularly puppies that are advertised online, have been illegally imported from the continent, or have been bred in puppy farms under very poor conditions. Animals bred in these establishments can have lifelong health and behavioural problems, and are often in poor health and not vaccinated.”

Advice on buying a dog can be found on the Vets4Pets website vets4pets.com

Otto is recovering well