Veterinarians in Mesa County are reporting an upsurge in the number of Parvovirus cases, and that's not good news for pet owners.

Parvo, as it is usually called, and panleukopenia keeps the bone marrow in the animals from creating white blood cells in order to fight infection. Left untreated it will kill your pet.

Roice Hurst Humane Society says it has seen cases throughout the summer, and by the time the animals get to them, it's usually too late to save the animal.

Some of the signs that your pet may have parvo include bloody, often severe diarrhea, fever, lethargy and a loss of appetite to name a few.

While there is a vaccine for the disease, it has to be caught fairly early. and waiting until the last minute can prove fatal for your pet.

Puppies are the most susceptible to the disease until they have completed the three rounds of shots needed to combat the disease.

If your pet seems to be lethargic, vomiting a lot and has very little energy, you may want to take him or her to the vet and get them checked out. In the meantime, if you think your pet may have parvo, do not touch other animals, as this helps spread the disease.

Call your vet to be sure, but get them vaccinated before it's too late.

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