Dog owners in Leicester are being urged to get their pets vaccinated against a killer virus which has already claimed the life of one animal.

Vets and nurses at Leicester's PetAid hospital, in Heyford Road, Braunstone, have reported an increase in suspected cases of the highly-contagious and potentially fatal canine parvovirus.

The animal hospital has seen eight confirmed cases of the disease, which causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea, in the past two weeks.

Mark Short, senior veterinary surgeon at the hospital, which is run by the PDSA (Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals) charity, said: "We normally see about one case of suspected parvovirus a month, or fewer, so this influx is extremely worrying.

"Despite doing everything we can, there has been a fatality.

"Normally, with this number of cases we'd expect more, but fortunately we've managed to get to them quickly."

The vet and his team are now urging pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated before it's too late.

Max, an 11-week-old Jack Russell puppy belonging to Monica Baxter, of Syston, is fighting for his life in the hospital after being struck down by the virus.

Monica, 66, said: "We only got him last week. He was poorly on Monday so we took him to the vets. We thought it was just a tummy upset but he took a dramatic turn for the worse on Wednesday.

"He kept being sick and couldn't even keep down water.

"We took him straight to the hospital and that's where he is now.

"The vet told us it was parvovirus and said it was touch and go whether he survives.

"It's absolutely heartbreaking but there's nothing we can do. We just pray he pulls through."

Infected dogs, such as Max, have to be isolated in the hospital to prevent the disease from spreading to other pets.

Fortunately for another dog owner, Michael Mitchell, 44, of Beaumont Leys, his 18-month old Staffordshire bull terrier Tyler is now recovering at home after treatment.

He said: "He was in the hospital for five days and at one stage they told us it was 50/50 whether he would survive.

"One day he was well and the next his condition went downhill rapidly.

"Fortunately, he's getting better now but it was a very close call.

"We've booked him in to get vaccinated when he's strong enough and I'd urge other pet owners to do the same."

Dog owners are advised to look out for symptoms, which include vomiting and diarrhoea.

A PDSA spokesman said: "If your dog displays symptoms you should keep them isolated and call their vet for advice immediately.

"Do not take your dog into your veterinary practice without calling first as this could spread the disease to unvaccinated puppies and dogs in the waiting room."

Leicester's PetAid hospital provides free veterinary care to sick and injured pets, as well as vaccinations and neutering to pets whose owners are on benefits.

To find out more, visit:

www.pdsa.org.uk