Deadly dog virus too costly to treat

Vets are worried as a deadly virus affects an unusually high number of dogs in Auckland and tough economic times mean some owners are getting their dogs put down rather than pay the estimated $1000 vet bill to treat them.

In just one week, two dogs have been hospitalised for emergency treatment at the Pet & Vet clinic in Milford and two others have been treated at home. Others in West Auckland have been put down as their owners couldn't afford the expensive treatment for the disease.

The disease, limited to dogs only, is passed on through contact with faeces and causes severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and fever.MORE>>

Without swift treatment, those affected can die from dehydration with puppies and older dogs most at risk.