Our 9 week old yellow lab that we received last Wednesday started vomiting and not wanting to eat Saturday, it did not cease and Sunday morning we took him to the ER where he was diagnosed with Parvo. We decided to seek treatment and he had been on IV's and under care for over 24 hours now, the vomiting subsided but continues to have diarreha. It is very costly to do this and we are just torn on what to do, the vet is optimistic but I am concerned more of the puppies suffering? Any advice please would be helpful. Thanks

Not every situation is the same. But I had a cat that had parvo early on. He was 9 - 12 weeks old I think. He survived and went on to live another 19 years. He was among the best animals I have ever owned. If you can keep trying and if your dog makes it through they will have a long life ahead.

Where did you get the pup?
If from a breeder, I would talk to the vet about the possibility of holding them responsible for vet bills in small claims.

My dog had parvo when he was about 5 to 6 weeks old. We took him to the vet and they really helped out. And he is a really great pet he is almost 3 years old now

Thanks for the feedback, we actually got him from a private party and not a breeder... BIG mistake as they are not returning my calls. I guess my biggest concern too is that his blood count was actually worse this morning than yesterday when we initially took him in, is that normal to get worse before it gets better while having treatment?

The parvo is running its course. So there may be a little storm before the calm. Also the dogs immune system may be in high gear at this time and its throwing off the numbers. It sounds like you caught this right at the beginning.

The people you got the dog from need to know what is going on as others from that litter can also have it. Parvo is something you don't want to spread.

Here is a link to a site that better explains parvo and how it runs its course. Right now you are doing everything you can.

Also you need to clean your own house and follow recommendations to ensure your dog doesn't get reinfected.

Parvo FAQs (http://workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm)

Parvo usually gets worse before it gets better.

The big thing with Parvo is keeping your puppy hydrated and treating the symptoms, such as vomitting. Parvo itself is never actually cured. It runs its course and depending on the immunity level of the dog, will depend on the pups survival.

Typically parvo puppies have to be tube fed or force fed in some fashion. That is typically why they stay at the clinic. Ask your doctor if they can show you how to do at home care. It may be an option for you.

Don't worry yourself with poor backyard breeders. You tried to do the right thing by contacting them, and they will not answer your calls. Care for your puppy... His life depends on it!

Unfortunately, Chase lost his battle to Parvo this morning. It was just awful and something has to be done about this horrific illness that targets little puppies and kittens... I hope to never have to go through this again. At least we find comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering.

Im so sorry for your loss.

So sorry to hear that :( Its always hard to loose the young ones :(

Not to seem like I don't care, because I do... But.. Because your house had the parvo virus in it, you need to scrub every surface with bleach... get a garden feeder attachment to your hose and spray your yard with bleach.. Parvo sticks around for a long time and withstands all weather elements... If you want to get a puppy in the next 2-4 years, you're going to have to do this now or within the next week or so... but the sooner the better.

Once again, sorry about your baby.. He was a good baby and is now waiting for you at the rainbow bridge :) The Rainbow Bridge (http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html)

I agree with Lucky, except for the wait, and efforts to be done before getting another puppy or, my suggestions, an adult dog or even a cat.

Immunity conferred by competent vaccination protocol will provide sufficient protection so that you can introduce a new pet as soon as it has undergone the proper protective treatment. As for the yard, cleaning up the stool will go a long way to minimizing problems to unprotected pets (But not completely. Doggie beware, for wandering through your yard).