New Hope for Dogs With Parvovirus: Cutting-Edge Antibody Treatment in Our Shelter
The Threat of Parvovirus in Shelters
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and often deadly virus that poses a significant threat to dogs, particularly in shelter environments where close quarters can facilitate its rapid spread. This virus primarily affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs, leading to severe gastrointestinal distress, dehydration, and, in many cases, death. The toll on shelters is immense, as infected dogs require intensive, round-the-clock care and isolation for weeks, sometimes months, to prevent outbreaks.
Introducing CPMA: A Revolutionary Treatment
Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA) treatment is innovative in tackling this deadly virus. CPMA works by providing under-vaccinated dogs with antibodies to neutralize the virus, minimizing and stopping the spread of the aggressive infection. Administering CPMA immediately after diagnosis can halt the virus within the dog’s body, offering a recovery rate of up to 100%.
CPMA in Our Shelter
Due to its high cost and limited availability, CPMA is not commonly accessible for most shelters. Each vial of CPMA costs around $200 and is effective for dogs weighing up to 11 pounds. Treating larger dogs can exceed $1,000, excluding additional expenses for supplies and labor.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, our shelter can explore life-saving treatments like CPMA to provide the best possible care for animals in need.
A Success Story: Timber’s Triumph 
One of our recent success stories involves Timber, an 8-month-old Labrador retriever mix, who arrived at our shelter suffering from severe symptoms of parvovirus. Thanks to the immediate administration of CPMA, Timber’s condition improved rapidly. He made a full recovery and was adopted by a loving family. Timber now goes by Cooper, and his adopter shared the following:
“Cooper has been the most loving and playful dog since we brought him home,” his adopter said. “He’s my absolute baby, and I wouldn’t trade him for the world.”
Timber’s story is a testament to the effectiveness of CPMA and our commitment to using cutting-edge treatments to save lives and complete families.
You Make This Possible
Our ability to access and administer treatment like CPMA is made possible through the generous support of our donors. Every contribution allows our team to invest in innovative, life-saving treatments to address the most severe medical cases that come through our doors.
At the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, we are dedicated to leading the way in innovative veterinary care in the Puget Sound region. When you donate to our shelter, you allow us to embrace advancements like CPMA, offering a brighter future for the animals in need in our community.
