Nobody wants to get that call.
I had seen one of our foster pups, Willow, earlier in the day with our Vet. She had a funny tummy and was given medication but didn’t seem very sick. Then, later that night I started to get phone calls from other foster volunteers.
A week earlier we had placed 12 mastiff mix puppies into foster homes. Their mama had an unexpected litter of 12 puppies and the owner had asked us for help in finding homes for her puppies.
After talking to our foster volunteers, Billy and Harley, two of the 12 pups, were rushed to the emergency vet clinic. Billy tested positive for canine parvovirus (parvo). 
We knew immediately that all the puppies in the litter would have been exposed – parvo is a highly contagious virus that passes from dog to dog. It has a 91% mortality rate when left untreated.
We jumped into action contacting all fosters and triaging pups that were showing symptoms. Three pups, Billy, Opie and Harley stayed at the vet clinic overnight and were treated with IV medication and closely monitored. Eventually, Billy even needed a feeding tube. 
As symptoms progressed, we worked with our vet partners in our community to provide both inpatient and outpatient treatment. But, even with treatment, parvo is awful.
While it can be prevented through vaccination, puppies are especially vulnerable and often endure days and days of non-stop diarrhea and vomiting. This makes it tough for them to keep food down and absorb much-needed nutrients.
The sickest of the pups were transferred several times between our amazing veterinary partners and the quarantined section of our animal care center. Because parvo is so contagious only one animal care staff and I could provide supportive care and treatment. We’re following strict infection control protocols wearing full PPE, using foot baths before entering and leaving the space, fully disinfecting everything, and well as showering and changing our clothing once we’re back at home with our own pets.
All in all, 9 pups are receiving treatment. Our veterinary costs have already reached $6,000…and will continue to climb.
Some of the sick pups remain in foster care and our volunteer and staff have been absolute angels. It brings me to tears just thinking of what they’re doing to help these pups – administering Pedialyte, antibiotics, and injecting needles of anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medication around the clock – we can’t thank them enough.
All this comes at a time when vets are already maxed out due to staffing challenges, and our resources are strained as we respond to increasing needs in our community.
We’re doing everything we can to keep these puppies alive and protect other dogs in our care (and the dogs of our volunteers and staff too), but we can’t do it alone.
We need your help.
Your donations to our Project Patchwork fund make it possible to go above and beyond for these pups and get them the emergency treatment they need to survive.
Your donation will go to work right away helping to cover the cost of treatment and give them a chance to find their furever homes.
A few lucky pups, like Hank and Jolene, didn’t catch parvo, and are still playful, silly, adorable goof balls. We can’t wait until all our pups are able to play, wrestle, and just be a pup again.
Donate here: https://www.brantcountyspca.com/give-now
