Canine parvovirus is a virus that attacks fast‑growing cells in a dog’s body. It mainly targets cells in the gut, the bone marrow, and the immune system. Puppies have lots of rapidly dividing cells, making them the most vulnerable. Parvovirus causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea, especially in puppies between 6 and 20 weeks old. Infection occurs via contaminated faeces.
Most adult dogs are protected against CPV‑2 because they’ve either been vaccinated or exposed to the virus before. Some unvaccinated adult dogs can still get infected but show no or minimal clinical signs, even though their body still produces antibodies for protection.
Diagnostic Testing
The following tests may be recommended depending on the patient’s condition:
- Bloodwork – assessing blood cells, electrolytes, vitamins and organ function
- Abdominal ultrasound to identify intussusception (intestinal telescoping causing obstruction) and poor gut motility
- Faecal testing
Treatment
Treatment can include intravenous fluid therapy, anti-nausea and prokinetic medication, electrolyte and glucose supplementation and probiotics.
Antibiotics and blood products (such as fresh frozen plasma) may be required in severe cases.
Faecal management systems can be placed to reduce the risk of diarrhoea scalding and allow assessment of fluid losses from the diarrhoea.
A feeding tube may be placed to ensure adequate nutrition, which supports faster recovery of the gut.
Faecal transplants may also be administered.
Prognosis
Generally, hospitalisation is required for 3-7 days, or longer in severe cases.
With appropriate treatment, parvovirus has a high success rate for survival to discharge.
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