SAN DIEGO — A mortally ill puppy named Richard has been given a second chance at life after receiving a new state-of-the-art medical treatment for parvo — the first-ever administered to a dog at an animal shelter in the country.
According to Helen Woodward Animal Center, the 6-week-old tiny terrier-blend was diagnosed with the life-threatening canine virus upon his arrival in January.
Canine parvovirus – or parvo – is an extremely contagious and extremely deadly illness among dogs, with a 91% mortality rate in untreated cases.
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“Richard was showing signs of the dreaded canine parvovirus. He lacked any sort of energy or appetite, preferring to sleep the day away rather than play with his siblings,” said Jessica Gercke, the communications director for the animal shelter.
With Richard only weeks old and weighing just 3.86 pounds, Gercke explained that the typical parvo prognosis for such a tiny puppy is “almost certain death.” But that isn’t the case for this lucky pup.