SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — The Sevier Animal Care Center is closed Tuesday, Jan. 2, after a puppy tested positive for a deadly virus affecting canine digestive tracts. The shelter said the puppy was already in quarantine for an upper respiratory infection when it tested positive for parvovirus.
On social media, the Sevier Animal Care Center said it would close Tuesday to protect its other canines and the community as a whole. It also said if it finds any other suspected exposure it would pull blood samples from every canine in the building to be tested at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
Parvovirus is a uniquely complicated virus to manage since it can be both contagious and resilient, the shelter said. Most cleaners do not kill parvovirus. It attacks white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract of dogs, and can also damage dogs' hearts. The American Veterinary Medical Association said signs of illness include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe and often bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain or bloating.
The virus can spread by direct contact with infected dogs, contact with feces from infected dogs, or contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus can cause septic shock leading to death, with most deaths occurring within 72 hours of when symptoms appear.
People who need to schedule an intake appointment while the center is closed can call or text 865-313-5449 and work with staff on an individual plan. The center also said it would reach out to people who had appointments scheduled for Tuesday.
It also encouraged pet owners to make sure their pets are fully vaccinated, especially if they are young or visit areas with lots of other dogs. It also said if pets show signs of parvovirus, owners should immediately reach out to a veterinarian for help. While it can be deadly, immediate treatment can help increase the odds that a dog survives parvovirus.