Editors note: Richard was the first at Helen Woodward Animal Center to receive this parvo treatment.
SAN DIEGO — A critically ill puppy named Richard has been given a renewed lease on life after undergoing a groundbreaking medical treatment for parvo.
According to Helen Woodward Animal Center, the 6-week-old small terrier-mix was diagnosed with the life-threatening canine virus upon his arrival in January.
Canine parvovirus – or parvo – is a highly contagious and often fatal disease among dogs, with a 91% mortality rate in untreated cases.
“Richard was displaying symptoms of the dreaded canine parvovirus. He was lacking energy and appetite, choosing to sleep rather than play with his littermates,” said Jessica Gercke, the communications director for the animal shelter.
With Richard being only weeks old and weighing just 3.86 pounds, Gercke noted that the typical parvo prognosis for such a young puppy would usually result in “almost certain death.” However, that was not the case for this fortunate pup.
Helen Woodward Animal Center had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the highly anticipated Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA) since April 2023. Gercke mentioned that the medication arrived just in time.
Richard became the first dog to receive the treatment at Helen Woodward Animal Center.
Before the introduction of the new treatment, the only available option for treating parvo in dogs was through costly around-the-clock care, involving the administration of antibiotics, IV fluids to combat dehydration, and management of the dog’s electrolytes.
“While the traditional treatment addresses the symptoms of the disease and may prevent the dog from dying, it does not directly combat the virus itself,” Gercke explained. “CPMA, on the other hand, involves the administration of synthetic parvo antibodies that prevent the disease from affecting the pup’s cells. In Richard’s case, the treatment worked overnight.”
According to the animal shelter, CPMA reduces the treatment period from up to a week to just 24 hours, and is also considerably more affordable than traditional parvo treatment. The current treatment for parvo can cost between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the duration of treatment, while CPMA reduces that cost to only $200 per vial.
“Richard’s recovery is a significant victory not only for us, but for the entire animal welfare community,” said Dr. Siler, adoption services medical director.
Richard, once a seriously ill puppy, has now been given a chance for a full and happy life thanks to a new parvo treatment.
This week, Dr. Siler and the medical team confirmed that Richard is now available for adoption. This remarkable pup is now searching for his forever home. To adopt Richard or for more information on Helen Woodward Animal Center, visit www.animalcenter.org, call 858-756-4117, or visit the shelter at 6461 El Apajo Rd. in Rancho Santa Fe.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PLTRChart-71ec74b79d4442c2a8719bc71da59b23.gif "Watch Those Palantir Value Ranges After Inventory’s Nasdaq 100 Inclusion")
