A parvovirus outbreak has claimed the lives of eight Katherine dogs and left more than 15 owners concerned for their pet's welfare while they wait for treatment to take hold.
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Highly contagious and often fatal, parvo attacks the cells lining a dog's small intestine, leading to bloody diarrhoea.
While Katherine has a high incidence rate compared to other places in Australia, vet Lauren Walter from NT Veterinary Services, can't remember a more serious outbreak in her seven years of working in the town.
"We have had a lot of dogs come in over the past month with a sudden onset of vomiting and diarrhoea," she said.
"Usually around this time of year there is a spike and we believe it is because there are more people travelling through with their pets."
Last month, the Katherine vet saw 10 cases pass through the clinic, and while all of the dogs in her care were able to be treated, three died at home.
Just streets away at Katherine Vet Care, Dr Peter Trembath had to put down five.
"The disease is everywhere," Dr Trembath said.
"It is extremely painful, and very sad we see outbreaks so often."
In Katherine, it seems to be a case of people being unaware of the gravity of the disease coupled with the expense of prevention.
Vaccines cost just a few hundred dollars, but when it is too late, a bill to treat parvo can run into the thousands.
"The most cost-effective way to to prevent parvo is to vaccinate," doctor Walter said.
"Any unvaccinated dog that comes into contact will most likely get the virus and it can be fatal.
"However, if they come into the vet they have a good prognosis."
The vast majority recover, but it is at a cost.
Spread from animal to animal and often found in Katherine backyards, parvo typically affects puppies.
Over the past couple of years, Katherine vets have seen an increase in older dogs developing symptoms.
With new strains erupting, vets are finding any unvaccinated dog, regardless of age, is susceptible.
Doctor Walter said she would like to see all pet owners taking responsibility for vaccinations and more public awareness on the severity of the disease.
"The virus can survive in the environment for up to 12 months unless adequately disinfected," she said.
"Pet owners need to vaccinate and keep their puppies away from public areas until they have completed the vaccination course."
If you think your pet has parvovirus, contact a vet straight away.
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