Vet Speak…

Canine parvovirus replicates in the lymphoid tissue of the oropharynx after ingestion. From there, it spreads to the bloodstream. It attacks with rapidly dividing cells throughout the body, especially those in the bone marrow, lymphopoietic tissue, and the crypt epithelium of the jejunum and ileum.

Replication in the bone marrow and lymphopoietic tissue causes neutropenia and lymphopenia, respectively. Replication of the virus in the crypt epithelium of the gut causes the collapse of intestinal villi, epithelial necrosis, and hemorrhagic diarrhoea.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis is based on an appropriate history. The most common and most convenient technique of testing for the presence of CPV is by faecal sampling. An enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay test or hemagglutination test is then conducted.

While the CPV ELISA test is fairly accurate, it can sometimes offer false positive or false negative results, as such, additional testing may be required to confirm a diagnosis.

No specific drug therapy is available to eliminate the virus in infected dogs at this time. Treatment is generally designed to support the dog’s body systems, directing the restoration of fluid balance until the system can defend itself against the infection.

A clinical stay is usually necessary as intravenous fluids and nutrients need to be administered. Blood transfusions might also be useful to boost low blood cell counts that may result from CPV infecting the bone marrow. Oral electrolyte solutions may be used in mildly dehydrated dogs without a history of vomiting.