Griffyn the warrior: surviving parvovirus

At just 14 weeks old, the schnauzer-pug mix contracted canine parvovirus (parvo) — a highly contagious, potentially deadly disease attacking dogs’ bone marrow and gastrointestinal systems. 

Veterinarians recommend that all owners vaccinate their dogs against parvovirus — the only effective way to prevent the disease. The process includes an initial three doses between eight and 16 weeks old, followed by a booster shot one year later and then every three years afterward. Until dogs are fully vaccinated (two weeks after their third shot), owners should avoid taking their pets to dog parks and other high-traffic environments where they may become infected. 

“I was super careful. Griffyn was only two weeks away from her final shot when she got sick,” says Tetreault, who believes Griffyn contracted parvo from an unvaccinated dog. When Griffyn began vomiting seven days later, Tetreault rushed her pet to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC). 

“They [VMC clinical staff] tested her outside, just in case. And sure enough — it was parvo. I just broke down,” says Tetreault. 

Dr. Karen Sheehan, a WCVM veterinarian and clinical instructor, explains that dogs pick up parvovirus from contaminated feces, often left by infected dogs, foxes or coyotes. The hardy virus can survive for years in harsh prairie environments.

“It’s normal dog behaviour to sniff where other dogs have eliminated,” says Sheehan. “But if they’re sniffing infected feces in close contact and then go to lick their nose or their lips, they’re going to ingest that virus.”

Once a dog is infected, clinical signs usually appear in three to seven days. The virus attacks the dog’s gastrointestinal system and bone marrow, where white blood cells are produced.

“Usually white blood cells would be the first line of defence … but with parvo, they can get wiped out,” says Sheehan. “The dog’s immune system can’t respond appropriately, and it can become life threatening.”

Sheehan says with appropriate treatment, the survival rate is 90 per cent. Treatment includes hydration, anti-nausea medications and antibiotics to prevent secondary infections. Infected dogs are also isolated to prevent further spread.

Griffyn was initially stable, but on day five she suffered a seizure and developed sepsis — a life-threatening condition caused by infection spreading to the bloodstream.

But the VMC veterinary team didn’t give up on Griffyn, and after nine days, she returned home. Tetreault says the disease weakened Griffyn, and it took months for her pet to regain her strength.

After her experience, Tetreault made a generous donation to initiate a parvo campaign with the WCVM’s Les and Irene Dubé Good Samaritan Fund, which helps cover medical costs for owned and ownerless animals at the VMC. She is also collaborating with the WCVM on parvovirus awareness programs and writing a children’s book about Griffyn’s experience.

“Griffyn still loves life. She still loves everyone and everything. And somehow, she still loves vets,” says Tetreault.

To support the parvo campaign, visit donate.usask.ca/online/wcvm.php and select “Parvo Awareness Campaign” as the gift designation.

To read the full issue of the Summer 2025 Vet Topics click here.