Canine Parvovirus
By Dr Asima Yasin
It is highly contagious and deadly virus that effects gastrointestinal system in young (6weeks to 6 months) and no vaccinated dogs. Canine Parvovirus is resistance to many disinfectants and detergents. It is also resistant to changes in temperature and pH. It can persist at room temperature for over two months.
Breeds
Breeds that are in increased risk of viral infection are:
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- American Pit Bull Terriers
- English Springer Spaniels
- German Shepherds
Stress (from any source including weaning, overcrowding or malnutrition, etc), enteric pathogen infection (eg, Clostridium spp, Campylobacter spp, Salmonella spp, Giardia spp), parasitic infestation has been associated with more severe clinical illness.
Virus is shed in the feces of infected dogs within 4–5 days of exposure, and for ~10 days after clinical recovery.
Infection is acquired through:
Direct oral nasal contact with virus-containing feces
Indirectly through contact with virus-contaminated fomites. Viral initially starts to replicate the lymphoid tissue of the oropharynx. Canine Parvovirus preferentially infects and destroys rapidly dividing cells of the small-intestinal crypt epithelium, lymphopoietic tissue, and bone marrow.
Clinical Findings
Lethargy
Anorexia
Vomiting
Fever
Hemorrhagic small-bowel diarrhea
Depression
Dehydration
Diagnosis
Suspected based on signalment, history, and clinical signs
CBC Findings by checking WBC amount
Confirmation by fecal parvoviral antigen testing or viral PCR
Treatment
The basic objective of treatment for canine parvovirus includes restoration of fluid, electrolyte, metabolic abnormalities and to prevent secondary bacterial infection.
Symptomatic treatment is done to cure hyperthermia, vomiting, diarrhea.
Ringer-lactated IV infusion is preferred, with broad spectrum antibiotic, anti-diarrheal, antiemetic and to maintain body fluid balance.
