TOLEDO, Ohio — Fifteen puppies have survived bouts with canine parvovirus under the care of the Toledo Humane Society after a cruelty officer found them in a distressing state outside during last month's heat wave.
According to a social media post on Friday from THS, the officer responded to an unidentified location on June 18 for a "distressing call about nineteen puppies left outside in the scorching 100-degree weather."
The puppies, two of which THS says were dead upon arrival, were "severely lethargic, vomiting, and suffering diarrhea."
The incident is under investigation.
The 17 remaining puppies were then brought to THS and tested for canine parvovirus. Many tested positive within seconds and were put into isolation rooms.
Two of the puppies eventually succumbed to CPV as some of the cases were severe.
The seven remaining male puppies are adoption-ready and eight remaining females are awaiting spay surgery but can be put on pre-adoption hold, according to THS.
THS describes CPV as the following:
"Canine parvovirus is an extremely contagious pathogen affecting dogs of all ages, with the highest risk for unvaccinated dogs and puppies under four months old. This virus primarily targets the gastrointestinal system and spreads through direct contact between dogs, as well as contact with contaminated feces, environments, or individuals."
There is no specific antiviral drug to treat CPV in dogs, though, THS says.
"Treatment focuses on supportive care to aid the dog’s immune system in fighting off the infection."
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