However, on Sunday 18th, Mo started to show similar symptoms. He had received his first vaccination, but had not yet completed the course. Lefteris returned to the island on Monday, and on examining him, confirmed that Mo was suffering from Parvo. Mo was started on intravenous rehydration immediately, eventually receiving 3 litres of saline.

Nights were turned into day at Villa Maura as little Mo was nursed and lifted up and down with the vomiting and diarrhoea taking its toll.

Sadly, it was all to be in vain, and little Mo died on Monday 21st.

Peter and Jenny Hersey
Following an accident that ended Peter’s career, he and his wife Jenny came to live in Kefalonia in April 2003. As trained paramedics, they have a wide experience of emergency procedures, especially (luckily for us) in “make do” situations, where facilities, location and equipment are not always ideal.

Peter and Jenny carry a full medical kit in their vehicle at all times, and are happy to help both animals and humans.

Peter adds his own postscript to this article:

 “I can’t describe the sadness experienced with treating these deprived animals. With the inevitable burying of those that do not make it, it is especially very hard for Pat and David who have the little graveyard in the corner of their garden in Svoronata.”

Thanks to Peter and Jenny Hersey for their help on this and many other occasions.

Thanks (as always) to Pat and Dave

Special thanks to Yiorgos, who arranged a free supply of Cannulas on a Sunday afternoon. (These are the gadgets that are inserted into a vein to introduce drips).

What is Parvo Virus?
Parvo Virus is mainly found in young dogs under 6 months who have not been vaccinated, and is very common in puppies 6 - 15 weeks old, younger than this they are usually covered by antibodies from their mothers milk.

It is transmitted directly from one dog to another, and indirectly via inanimate objects such as food bowls clothes, shoes etc. The virus can survive for up to 6 months on objects and is mainly killed by bleach but not other cleaning agents. It can remain in the ground for 12 months. It spreads rapidly between dogs exposed to contaminated faeces.

The signs are, depression, vomiting, diarrhoea and anorexia, the diarrhoea is very sudden and smells foul, it has a smell that you don’t forget. Some dogs will get tonsillitis and have difficulty in even swallowing water.

Death can occur two days after onset and is usually due to dehydration.

Infected animals must be isolated with strict hygiene observed, and it is very important to get fluids into the dog. The dog will need antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, and food should not be given until 24 hours after vomiting has ceased, and diarrhoea has reduced.

If the dog survives 3 - 4 days, the recovery is often rapid and they will have some immunity to that particular strain.