PUPPIES across the western suburbs are falling victim to the deadly parvovirus following a spike in cases referred to the Lort Smith Animal Hospital in recent months. Sunshine, Hoppers Crossing and Werribee have all been named as hotspots for the infection, which has seen 34 cases admitted in the last three months and five last weekend alone. Head Veterinarian at Lort Smith, Dr Andrew Kapsis said it was essential to vaccinate puppies against such deadly viruses and ensure the full course of vaccinations was completed. Pictured here with Haku, Dr Kapsis said: “Without treatment about 95 per cent of infected dogs will die and even with treatment about 30 per cent won’t make it.” Parvo, as it is also known, is a highly infectious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular systems of dogs.112627 PICTURE: KRISTIAN SCOTT
