Dogs getting sick with parvo-like illness in northern Michigan, dying within 3 days

[sl8]

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/08/21/unidentified-illness-killing-dogs-northern-michigan/7857417001/

Dogs getting sick with parvo-like illness in northern Michigan, dying within 3 days

Layla McMurtrie
Detroit Free Press

Similar to canine parvovirus in symptoms, an unidentified illness has been sickening and killing dozens of dogs in Michigan in the past month.

It first appeared in Otsego County but has been spreading through northern Michigan.

In an article in the Clare County Cleaver, Clare County Animal Control Director Rudi Hicks said that the virus is suspected to have come from Louisiana and kills infected dogs within three days of having symptoms.

Hicks said told the Clare County Board of Commissioners that more than 30 dogs have died of the disease just in Clare County as of Thursday. She said it is unknown how the virus spreads.

[...]

[oregonjen]

1. Is this the same virus as in Northern Ireland?

https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/deadly-dog-parvovirus-back-northern-24771506

[Silver Gaia]

5. Evidently, that IS parvo.

That article was mostly urging people to vax their pups against parvo, and telling the sad tale of the rescue pup they couldn't save from it. 😥

The disease being reported in Michigan is like parvo, but is not parvo.

I didn't see anything about age of the dogs who died from this. Did anyone else? Parvo is generally a puppy disease, rarely infecting dogs over 6 months. I am just wondering if it shares that characteristic with parvo as well.

EDIT: On rereading, I see it says most dogs were under the age of 2. That's good to know, but not very definitive.

[Farmer-Rick]

2. Thanks for posting

I hope it doesn't spread to other states. Vomiting and bloody diarrhea seems to be the initial symptoms.

I think I'll keep my dogs away from other dogs for awhile.

This is really fast acting. I wonder how it's spreading.

[Delarage]

3. Horrifying

My almost 2-year-old lab mix developed diarrhea and vomiting after a trip to DE beaches this weekend (Cape Henlopen and Indian River). I thought I saw her eat something at Cape Henlopen (probably a dead crab or something else that washed up) but wasn't sure. Loss of appetite, didn't drink much. My friend thought her diarrhea yesterday had blood in it. Then I read this and panicked. Debated about emergency vet visit, but she eventually drank some and did not appear lethargic.

Long story short---took her to the vet today (x-rays, blood work, fecal exam) and it just looks like colitis which they think is probably due to a bacterial infection (probably did eat something). I mentioned this illness in Michigan to the vet and she had not heard of it yet---she said "I guess I know what I'll be reading about on my break!"

My pup got an anti-nausea injection, some follow-up pills for that, antibiotics, and some Hills Biome wet food (full of probiotics). Also got an IV of fluid, since she was getting close to being dehydrated. So far she's resting comfortably.

[Bayard]

4. Giardia

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/the-facts-you-need-to-know-about-giardia-in-dogs/

It was suggested as a possibility for a goat that the vet can't figure out what's wrong with him. He's been tested for everything under the sun, and treated for all. Looks like we will have to put him down.

All mammals can get it, including humans.

[Donkees]

6. 'mystery canine virus' has been identified

Hannah Mackay
The Detroit News


At the end of a stressful week for dog owners, many were relieved that the mystery canine illness identified in northern Michigan was confirmed to be parvovirus, a serious illness for which there is a vaccine.

Kari Beer, an emergency and critical care specialist with Oakland Veterinary Referral Services in Bloomfield Hills, said as long as a dog is up to date on routine care and vaccinations, they likely will be fine.

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/08/28/parvo-dog-canine-virus-identified-michigan/7907004001/

[sl8]

7. Thanks for the follow-up. nt