Triumph over Parvo: A story of hope and healing

In the face of adversity, the strength and determination to save a life shine through. This is exactly what happened when a concerned owner rushed their newly adopted puppy Daisy to the emergency room, desperately seeking help. Despite prior treatment from another veterinarian, she was brought to the emergency clinic at Frick Veterinary Services depressed and not eating, vomiting, and experiencing loose stool. In a heartbreaking turn of events, a Canine Parvovirus test came back positive.

The owner shared the pup’s recent history, explaining that the previous veterinarian had administered an over-the-counter vaccine just one week prior. Despite their own impending shoulder surgery, the owner expressed their desire to try intravenous (IV) therapy and hospitalization to give the puppy a fighting chance.

Immediate action was taken, and the puppy was isolated for six days under the vigilant care of a dedicated veterinarian. IV therapy and medication were administered, resulting in the cessation of vomiting after just two days. Still, the young pup showed little interest in eating and had bloody stools, leaving the veterinary team worried. But on day five, a glimmer of hope emerged as the pup began to eat, albeit in small amounts.

The veterinary team took every measure possible to encourage the puppy’s appetite, creating a buffet of enticing food options and ensuring access to water. Progress was being made when the puppy chewed through the IV line. It was time to send Daisy home.

However, the journey to recovery was far from over. Upon returning home, the puppy vomited once more. The dedicated veterinarian promptly provided medications, including cerenia tabs and a shot, and prepared for the possibility of having to readmit the pup for IV therapy. Thankfully, the pup showed signs of improvement, slowly starting to eat small amounts of food. The road to full recovery had begun.

The young pup still requires updated vaccinations to protect against distemper and other viruses that pose a threat to young dogs. Despite the challenges faced by the owner, who recently underwent shoulder surgery, their daughter has stepped in to provide much-needed support and care for the puppy. The veterinary team is also working with the owner to establish a payment plan, understanding the financial strain they are experiencing.

Wishing to do as much as she could to help Daisy’s family alleviate the financial burden of her care, Dr. Christina Frick of Frick Veterinary Services applied for an AVMF REACH Program™ charitable care grant. “Their daughter has been helping with Daisy since the owner had surgery and can’t do as much for the puppy. I am so happy to save a parvo puppy!” shared Dr. Frick.

The dedication and perseverance of the veterinary team, owner, and their daughter have culminated in the successful rescue of a parvo puppy. It is a testament to the power of hope, compassion, and the unwavering belief that every life is worth saving. This heartwarming story reminds us of all that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for triumph and growth.

The AVMF REACH Program exists to help veterinarians provide the best care for all animals, at any time and in any town. We can’t do it without the generous gifts from those who want the best for all animals, regardless of their owner’s financial means. If you’d like to support this program with a tax-deductible gift, select “AVMF REACH Program” from the “I want to support” dropdown menu on the gift form. 

Thank you for helping us REACH as many animals in need as possible!

This program is supported in part by PURINA through the ProPlan Veterinary Support Mission.