Outbreak Update – Day 5

Update Day 5:

• We lost four dogs in total, three of them during the night of January 12–13. One survived past 72 hours, with GI symptoms improving, but then started having seizures. The youngest passed away just 10 hours after symptoms began, despite being on a fluids drip. We’ve seen various neurological issues in puppies that stay hydrated and make it through the first 48 hours. All had been vaccinated on schedule.
• Five puppies are showing symptoms, with two appearing very weak. They’re in a warm isolation room, receiving fluid drips, supplements, and hourly oral electrolytes with nutrients at 30 mg/kg. Four have been vaccinated, while one, at four weeks old, has not.
• Seven puppies are showing no symptoms and are being quarantined individually, with four vaccinated and three unvaccinated due to being too young.
• No cases reported among R2, adults and puppies (all vaccinated).
• No cases reported among JDC K9 (all vaccinated).

We do everything humanly possible around the clock to ensure timely treatment and to contain, and hope that the vaccines will help at least some of them.

Four healthy puppies have been moved to a makeshift shelter on uncontaminated ground, and any clean crates or crate covers would be a big help. We can’t disinfect and reuse the ones we have since we haven’t yet received the F10 or Stergene. Vetpost went above and beyond, arranging urgent separate deliveries after we explained the situation.

We’re incredibly thankful for any help in covering vet visits, PPE, veterinary supplies, medication, nutritional needs, Stergene and F10 disinfectants, as well as food for our residents during lockdown, when adoption funds aren’t coming in. Donations can be made to our registered charity account 38-9027-0283734-00, Jack Dog Center Limited.

Note: It’s upsetting to know that dogs can still pass away despite being vaccinated on schedule, and that the usual GI symptoms might not always appear, but this is the reality we’re facing. The dogs have tested positive for parvo, so there’s no doubt about the diagnosis. We feel it’s more important to spread awareness and potentially save lives than to provide a false sense of security. The staff is working hard to manage the outbreak under intense pressure right now, so let’s steer clear of negative communication.