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Sokkies came to us as a 9-week-old puppy with a history of vomiting and diarrhoea. She was a little depressed and off food and had mild dehydration. A quick Parvo test was performed and unfortunately came back positive. Parvo is a viral disease that attacks the lining of the small intestine, there is no cure, treatment involves supporting the body allowing it time to fight the virus. Sokkies was placed on a drip and spent a week in hospital receiving intense nursing, intravenous antibiotics, anti-nausea medication and electrolyte replacement. Through the strong will of this little puppy, the owners support and the dedication of all the vets and support staff at St Francis, Sokkies pulled through and has made a full recovery!

Although Sokkies survived his ordeal, Parvo virus is often fatal, this again underlines the importance of vaccinating puppies from a young age.

At St Francis we reccomend vaccinations at 6, 9, 12 and 16 weeks. Although we have seen cases of vaccinated puppies with Parvo virus, this is rare and most animals that are fully vaccinated should not contract the virus.