tdierikx

The fact that they are sitting up and are alert 24 hours after the first symptom was sighted is a really good sign! In young pups it can be a matter of hours before they are too far gone - so heaps of kudos to you for spotting it so quickly and getting them to the vet asap. Sas - I say new strain because of the symptomology being so different to the regular strains we have all seen before (whether we care to admit it or not) - the pups I had did not display any vomiting at all, their poops did not smell badly or contain blood, and they were all quite alert and active until the first one went lethargic and progressed to moribund within an hour or so while we waited for the vet to be available to see him. If you've ever seen coccidia, then you will understand what I mean when I say the current parvo coming from the country dogs looks just like coccidosis. As for vaccinated dog getting parvo - yes, that is completely true too - but they are less likely to show the deadly symptoms, and can still shed it with every stool they produce. The vet advice I've been given is to top up current dogs' vaccination status with a Parvac shot, and keep at home for at least 2-4 weeks to reduce any possibility of spreading it around the neighbourhood via their stools. T.

Somehow I don't see the RSPCA SA CEO being led by MA with regards to any animal welfare issues... *grin* T.

May I add that the current vaccines seem to have good coverage for the new strain of parvo we are starting to see. If your other dogs are vaccinated, then there is very little chance of them getting it. T.

Isn't she beautiful? Lovely condition on her, and obviously is loving having a brother to play with... you could have a leaner and more athletic looking Ziggy by the time she leaves... lol! T.

No - but it shows that the vet is thinking outside the box in order to provide relief for the animal until it can be seen by a vet during business hours. Country vets understand people not being able to drop everything and get their animal to a clinic at all hours. This vet advised a dosage of ibuprofen that would not be dangerous to give to the cat in question, and would give it some pain relief. Remember that the OWNER was the one to quadruple the dose... not the vet. T.

*waits patiently for photos* T.

You've got it pretty early, so providing they have the correct support while they fight it off, they should recover. There is a new strain going around that doesn't necessarily show the same symptoms as the regular strains (no blood in stools or vomit until it's way too late) - and unfortunately country areas are somewhat rife with it at the moment. I lost an entire litter to it a few weeks back - and as my quarantine isn't as good as yours, I'm not able to foster for at least 12 months... grrr! Fingers crossed that your babies pull through... T.

Ditto! T.

Awww... aren't they stunning little tackers! T.

Personally, I reckon all vets should do a rotation in a rural clinic as part of their training... probably wouldn't have so many duds that way. T.

Hey Katdogs... would John like some spare collars for Carrie? Come raid my box of collars for some that may fit her... We could get him a few nice little tags for her too so that if she ever goes missing again she can be returned faster when found. Those photos are lovely - look at Carrie looking at the camera with the "what's the fuss" look in the first one... what a little character! T.

I love this photo... would certainly get me enquiring more about him... *grin* http://www.fetchingdogs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/ruthlessphotos-5273.jpg T.

If you've ever seen a castration done, you'd not be too shocked by a vet doing it somewhere other than in clinic... fastest op I've ever seen done... T.

Call me a cynic, but if the RSPCA think they can get some publicity and donations for doing something, they will happily attend... T.

Actually, not all of the hostels have a "no dogs" rule, but they can't guarantee a dog's safety there... sad, but true. Katdogs, can you see if you can get a rough size of Carrie for me - I'd like to get her some winter coats... and if John is anywhere near my size, I'm sure I can find some jumpers or trakky daks he could have too... T.

Give me a vet that understands that not all clients are happy to be overserviced or overcharged any day. I prefer mine to give advice when needed, and not try to sell me stuff I don't need at every opportunity. I'd go for a good old fashioned country vet over most suburban vets every time. T.

Such wonderful news... my eyes are watering now... *sob* T.

The government may not be able to sack them, but they can withdraw any funding until they are replaced... T.

I'll second contacting Tapua... awesome dogs! T.

Do whatever you need to do to keep your baby safe doggleworth. You are in my thoughts. Yep, same here. Agree. And me... T.

Now Staffyluv, you will have to update us all with photos... T.

You did what you could honeybun... well done for trying so hard. I'm sure the little ones registered your love and care for the short time you had them, and went to the Bridge knowing that at least. T.

Awesome news Cheryl! Now comes the really satisfying part of their journey, yes? Much kudos to you and yours for stepping up and giving this beautiful little family the best love and care they needed to get them well on their way to a brighter future. T.

I have a vet friend who recently relocated and is now working in an emergency clinic... she is so glad to NOT have to do the hard sell of particular drugs or accessories that is so common in regular vet clinics any more. She was always happy to write prescriptions for human chemists to fill for commonly used drugs, rather than sell the drug company sponsored brands available in clinic. Same drugs, same doses, at a massively reduced cost through a chemist rather than the clinic prices. There are many great vets out there that don't try to overservice or overcharge for their expertise. It's not about what the vet clinic costs in order to discern what level of treatment you will get - it's about doing the best for the animal when it needs treating. Any clinic that refuses treatment because one can't pay up front is obviously NOT in the business for the wellbeing of the animals. Jan advised a very SMALL dosage of liquid Nurofen (which is obviously all the guy had on hand) for the cat's pain. The owner, for whatever reason, managed to QUADRUPLE the dose he gave to the cat. Neither can be called entirely at fault for the actions taken that night, but both should take some responsibility for the outcome. I believe that Jan has stepped up and taken her share of responsibility... now the owner needs to come to terms with his part in it. T.

I'm not casting aspersions on the vet - just wondering why the mother dog is staying there instead of with the career... T.