Worst influx of Canine Parvovirus at Khayelitsha Animal Clinic in 22 years

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha is currently experiencing the worst influx of Parvo patients in the 22 years of the organisation’s existence.

The canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs. It spreads through the feces of infected dogs and is often fatal. Common symptoms of an infected dog includes vomiting, diarrhea (with a very distinct smell), lethargy and loss of appetite.

“On average our clinic admits 14 Parvo patients per month. In the past month we admitted 45 patients,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Manager.

Parvovirus infection can be prevented by having dogs vaccinated. Puppies should be vaccinated at 6 weeks of age, have their second shot a month later and their third shot a month after that. Thereafter only one booster shot is required per year.

“We currently have 16 pets with Parvo at our clinic. Our Parvo isolation unit, which only caters for 7 pets, is full to the brim. As a result we have changed our distemper isolation unit into a temporary Parvo unit too. We have also had to place cages outside the units for extra patients,” says du Plessis.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is currently in a difficult financial position after losing their main funder due to international budget cuts and the funder’s capacity to fund. The parvo influx has put strain on their funding.

“We’ve calculated that it has been costing us R1273 per parvo dog per day so far. Each dog stays with us for approximately 5 days resulting in a cost of R6365 per dog,” says du Plessis. “We would really appreciate any donations towards our current Parvo influx.”

If you would like to support the Mdzananda Animal Clinic with a donation please contact them on info@mdzananda.co.za or 021 367 6001. Their banking details for donations are Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Standard Bank, 075595710, Rondebosch, Branch Code: 025009, Reference: Parvo +Your Name