Thong-Mang, Parvo Tough-Cookie

The day after I played with Thong-mang, she went off food and had some diarrhoea.  Not taking any chances, her caregiver brought her to the vet and Thong-mang was diagnosed with parvovirus.

Being so small and estimated at barely 7 weeks now, the caregiver (a very experienced dog owner) was very cautious and had not got her vaccinated yet (which was wise as vaccination also carries risks). Thong-mang probably carried the virus in her (perhaps transmitted from her mother) and the disease chose to manifest now.

That night, I was busy contacting as many vets as I know to ask what the best possible treatment for Thong-mang would be. By night-time, Thong-mang was eating, which was a good sign. One vet suggested that since the parvovirus is so terribly deadly (multiplies by the seconds), it may be a good move to hospitalise her immediately should fluids be necessary at any time. I also tried to get RetroMAD1 for her but the drug is going through clinical trials now and the person-in-charge (until today) has not responded. We also learned that there is an antibody injection for parvovirus that is effective these days.

So many options, but experience and gut feeling is always the best.

Since Thong-mang was eating, still alert and was able to stand up to her full posture, the caregiver decided he would monitor Thong-mang for that night and take her to the vet the next day.

The next morning, Thong-mang was taken to the vet and another parvovirus test was done. It was confirmed – Thong-mang has the parvovirus. Many websites recommend that parvo-patients be hospitalised, homecare is not recommended due to the disease being highly contagious and also a parvo-patient needs a vet’s monitoring and fluids have to be administered immediately should the patient require it. Any caregiver, no matter how well-intentioned, may miss the symptoms and this could prove fatal for the patient.

So, Thong-mang was hospitalised and we checked on her, through her caregiver, several times a day.  Of course we were very concerned but prayers and good thoughts were all we could give at that point in time. She was in good hands under a caring and meticulous vet.

Thong-mang continued to remain strong and feisty through the days.

Minutes ago, we received news that Thong-mang is now eating and drinking well. There is no more diarrhoea and no vomiting.

The vet says Thong-mang can already be discharged!!!

Wow!! For an unvaccinated small undersized puppy to beat the parvovirus, Thong-mang is certainly made of strong stuff, isn’t she?

So, Thong-mang will be going home soon!

Thank you, thank you, to the dedicated vet.  And thank you to a caregiver who had Thong-mang’s best interests at heart, who also made all the right decisions for her.

Photo taken on Tuesday, 4 days ago, a day before she came down with parvo.

Thong-mang would have to be quarantined for some time now as the shedding of the parvovirus still leads to possible infection.

But I’m sure Mrs Ayam Kampung will be waiting to play with her petite canine-friend once the quarantine period is over.

A speedy recovery, Thong-mang!

This post is written with the consent of Thong-mang’s caregiver.

And the caregiver has also given his consent for us to publish this diary that he keeps for Thong-mang. We hope this sharing will be beneficial to dog caregivers.

Arrived: 4th June 2015
18/06: very soft stools.
Treated with metronidazole fr 2 days. (on hindsight, could have continued for 5 days)
01/07: noticed she was lethargic n no appetite.
Sent to first vet for treatment.
Discovered she had parvo. Treated with
Metronidazole n DMG. Metronidazole
1.5cc n DMG 1 tablet.
02/07: Sent TM to second vet to reconfirm on her
Parvo. Decided to admit her.
03/07: Visited TM. Her condition seems to hold.
No vomiting or diarrhoea. Very soft stool
though. Was put on sulphur, DMG and
metronidazole.
04/07: TM is doing well. Ate kibbles n drinking.
No vomiting or diarrhoea. Can be
discharged bt I rather she stayed till Mon.

Source: https://myanimalcare.org/2015/07/04/thong-mang-parvo-tough-c..

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