Sir,

This is with regard to Maneka Gandhi’s column titled ‘Pet Talk (Symptoms and treatment of Parvo in puppies)’ in SOM dated Oct. 21, 2020. She spoke extensively regarding treatment of Parvoviral gastroenteritis or PVGE as it is commonly known.

PVGE is a deadly and remarkably contagious disease that invariably affects a large proportion of puppies leading to anxious consultations and outcomes at veterinary practices around the world. It is not akin to a simple flu that may be treated at home sans medical consultation. To even entertain the possibility of home remedy is fatal and contributes heavily towards its contagiousness.

In spite of the extensive research that has gone into understanding the treatment of this disease, none of the medications prescribed in the write-up hold any water. Hopefully, from here on at least taking the hint to refrain from prescribing non-over the counter medicines to begin with.

Amoxycillin is a reliable antibiotic that is close to becoming resistant due to indiscriminate usage through such ill-advised opinions. Secondly, Tamiflu is a laughable remedy in the face of PVGE and should not be brought anywhere close to your pet since its pharmacokinetic effects on the animal’s physiology are not known, hence not approved for use. Also, encouraging anxious pet owners to inject saline with syringes under the delicate skin of puppies may lead to folliculitis and worse, abscesses if not done right. Fluid therapy is a science in itself that requires monitoring of the level of dehydration, body weight and blood pressure, prior to beginning said therapy.

Veterinary Medicine is an extensive science that requires at least a decade of studying and experience to practice. It is not as simple as ‘Step 1- 5’, as has been described in the article. Fortunately there are several veterinary doctors at a few kilometres distance from every pet owner who are more than happy and importantly, capable of treating your dog or advising otherwise.

I strongly advise against self medicating your pets without the valid consultation of a registered veterinary practitioner, especially for fatal and contagious diseases such as PVGE keeping in view its grave consequences.

– Dr. Vaseem Mirza, MVSc (NZ), NAVLE (CA), Regd. Veterinary Practitioner, India and Canada, 23.10.2020

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