Three tiny Yorkie-Poo pups were rushed to our Alex Lewyt Veterinary Medical Center in critical condition. The puppies were severely lethargic, unable to hold down any food or water, and suffering from terrible diarrhea – all telltale signs of the highly contagious and life-threatening viral disease known as canine parvovirus.

Unable, or unwilling, to provide them with the care they so desperately needed, the owner surrendered the ailing pups to Animal League America so that medical staff could provide them with the individualized emergency care they need to have a fighting chance to survive. Staff Veterinarian Nicole Cerniello, who was first to examine the puppies in our Emergency Care Unit when they arrived, said the next 24 hours are crucial for this trio of siblings.

“All three of these puppies were in critical condition when they arrived. They were unable to sit or stand on their own, not very responsive, vomiting and diarrhea, all which leads us to believe they have parvo. They tested negative when first arrived, but it’s likely too early in the disease process for them to test positive,” Dr. Cerniello said. “Since they are in such critical condition we can’t wait for a definitive diagnosis to treat them. Doing that could prove to be a fatal mistake. We are going to do everything we can to ensure these sweet puppies have the best chance at survival.”

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All three of the puppies will have intravenous catheters placed and be on IV fluids to ensure they stay hydrated. They will also be placed on multiple antibiotics to fight the virus, as well as various gastro-protectants to ease their stomachs so they can begin eating again. Once the puppies are officially diagnosed with the virus, Dr. Cerniello said they will be transported to our Freed Special Recovery Center where they will be under the 24-hour care of our diligent staff of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and assistants. The 2,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility on our campus, which opened its doors last year, helps us to contain the spread of contagious diseases like parvo.

It is only through your generosity that we are able to provide emergency care to dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens in desperate need. Please help us continue to provide the type of critical care these puppies need to survive. Without the support of our loyal donors, these precious pups, and so many animals just like them, would have no other option.