Parvovirus in Dogs (NAVLE Notes)
Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting young, unvaccinated puppies. Below is a breakdown of the classic case presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Classic Case
- Breeds at Higher Risk: Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bull Terriers, English Springer Spaniels, and German Shepherds.
- Common Age Group: Typically 6 weeks to 6 months old, especially in unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated puppies.
- Signs (2-14 days post-infection):
- Depression and lethargy
- Fever or hypothermia
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Watery, hemorrhagic diarrhea
- Dehydration and poor capillary refill time
- Dilated intestinal loops
- Tachycardia with weak pulse
Diagnosis
- Etiology: Canine parvovirus (CPV), predominantly CPV-2b in the U.S.; CPV-2c is also increasing.
- Bloodwork:
- Increased: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, +/- liver enzymes.
- Decreased:
- White Blood Cells: Neutropenia and lymphopenia
- Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, and chloride (potassium should be monitored during treatment)
- Albumin and Glucose (glucose should be monitored during treatment)
- Commercial ELISA Test:
- High sensitivity and specificity
- Potential false-negatives early in disease (before viral shedding)
- Possible false-positives within one week of modified-live vaccination
Treatment
- Fluid Replacement Therapy:
- Oral electrolytes if minimal vomiting
- Subcutaneous fluids if <5% dehydration
- Intravenous fluids for severe dehydration
- Colloids or fresh frozen plasma if low albumin/protein or peripheral edema/pleural effusion
- Antibiotics (to prevent bacterial translocation):
- Ampicillin or cefazolin, +/- gentamicin (only if severe neutropenia and after correcting dehydration)
- Anti-emetics:
- Maropitant or ondansetron
- Avoid prochlorperazine (may cause hypotension) and metoclopramide (increases intussusception risk)
Prevention
- Isolation and Disinfection:
- Strict isolation (gowning, gloving, and footbaths with 1:30 bleach)
- Clean surfaces of organic debris, then disinfect with a 1:30 bleach solution
- Sunlight and organic material reduce bleach effectiveness
- Replace diluted bleach solution every 24 hours
- Vaccination Schedule:
- Initial series: 6-8, 10-12, and 14-16 weeks
- Booster: 1 year after initial series, then every 3 years
Key Points
- Transmission: Fecal-oronasal and fomite-oronasal routes.
- Virus Target Areas: Small intestinal crypt epithelium, bone marrow, and lymphatic tissues.
- Poor Prognostic Indicators: Neutropenia (without bands) and hypoglycemia.
- Survival Rate: 70-90% with appropriate treatment.
- Immunity: Recovered dogs typically gain long-term or lifelong immunity.
NAVLE-Style Practice Questions on Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
Question 1
A 4-month-old unvaccinated Doberman presents with severe lethargy, decreased appetite, and frequent vomiting over the past two days. The dog’s stool is watery and dark, almost black in color. Physical exam reveals poor capillary refill time, tachycardia, and a weak pulse. Bloodwork shows neutropenia, low albumin, and hypoglycemia. What is the most likely diagnosis, and what is the first-line approach in managing this case?
- A) Canine coronavirus; initiate anti-emetics only
- B) Canine parvovirus; aggressive fluid therapy and supportive care
- C) Gastric foreign body; perform immediate surgery
- D) Infectious canine hepatitis; focus on hepatic support
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The young, high-risk breed with gastrointestinal symptoms, severe dehydration, and bloodwork findings (neutropenia, hypoglycemia) suggests parvovirus. The first-line approach should be aggressive fluid therapy to restore hydration and correct electrolyte imbalances, as well as supportive care.
Question 2
A 3-month-old mixed-breed puppy with a recent history of vomiting and diarrhea is brought in for evaluation. The owner has noticed lethargy and decreased appetite. Physical examination reveals a low body temperature and pale mucous membranes. An in-house ELISA test for parvovirus comes back negative. How should you proceed?
- A) Dismiss parvovirus and provide dietary recommendations
- B) Repeat ELISA and recheck in a week
- C) Initiate supportive therapy for parvovirus and monitor symptoms closely
- D) Refer for abdominal ultrasound
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The negative ELISA test could be a false negative since it was performed early in the disease course. Given the clinical presentation and high risk for parvovirus, supportive therapy should begin immediately, and diagnostics can be repeated later if symptoms persist.
Question 3
A young Rottweiler with an incomplete vaccination history is hospitalized for a suspected parvovirus infection. Over the course of treatment, the veterinarian notices peripheral edema and lab results showing a drop in albumin levels. What is the recommended next step in management?
- A) Increase oral fluids
- B) Begin colloids or fresh frozen plasma
- C) Discharge and monitor at home
- D) Initiate metoclopramide to enhance GI motility
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Parvovirus cases with low albumin and peripheral edema require adjustments in supportive care, specifically with colloids or fresh frozen plasma to stabilize protein levels and reduce edema. Oral fluids and metoclopramide would be inappropriate or insufficient in this scenario.
For study notes visit cracknavle.com
Parvovirus in Dogs (NAVLE Notes)
Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting young, unvaccinated puppies. Below is a breakdown of the classic case presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Classic Case
- Breeds at Higher Risk: Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bull Terriers, English Springer Spaniels, and German Shepherds.
- Common Age Group: Typically 6 weeks to 6 months old, especially in unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated puppies.
- Signs (2-14 days post-infection):
- Depression and lethargy
- Fever or hypothermia
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Watery, hemorrhagic diarrhea
- Dehydration and poor capillary refill time
- Dilated intestinal loops
- Tachycardia with weak pulse
Diagnosis
- Etiology: Canine parvovirus (CPV), predominantly CPV-2b in the U.S.; CPV-2c is also increasing.
- Bloodwork:
- Increased: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, +/- liver enzymes.
- Decreased:
- White Blood Cells: Neutropenia and lymphopenia
- Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, and chloride (potassium should be monitored during treatment)
- Albumin and Glucose (glucose should be monitored during treatment)
- Commercial ELISA Test:
- High sensitivity and specificity
- Potential false-negatives early in disease (before viral shedding)
- Possible false-positives within one week of modified-live vaccination
Treatment
- Fluid Replacement Therapy:
- Oral electrolytes if minimal vomiting
- Subcutaneous fluids if <5% dehydration
- Intravenous fluids for severe dehydration
- Colloids or fresh frozen plasma if low albumin/protein or peripheral edema/pleural effusion
- Antibiotics (to prevent bacterial translocation):
- Ampicillin or cefazolin, +/- gentamicin (only if severe neutropenia and after correcting dehydration)
- Anti-emetics:
- Maropitant or ondansetron
- Avoid prochlorperazine (may cause hypotension) and metoclopramide (increases intussusception risk)
Prevention
- Isolation and Disinfection:
- Strict isolation (gowning, gloving, and footbaths with 1:30 bleach)
- Clean surfaces of organic debris, then disinfect with a 1:30 bleach solution
- Sunlight and organic material reduce bleach effectiveness
- Replace diluted bleach solution every 24 hours
- Vaccination Schedule:
- Initial series: 6-8, 10-12, and 14-16 weeks
- Booster: 1 year after initial series, then every 3 years
Key Points
- Transmission: Fecal-oronasal and fomite-oronasal routes.
- Virus Target Areas: Small intestinal crypt epithelium, bone marrow, and lymphatic tissues.
- Poor Prognostic Indicators: Neutropenia (without bands) and hypoglycemia.
- Survival Rate: 70-90% with appropriate treatment.
- Immunity: Recovered dogs typically gain long-term or lifelong immunity.
NAVLE-Style Practice Questions on Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
Question 1
A 4-month-old unvaccinated Doberman presents with severe lethargy, decreased appetite, and frequent vomiting over the past two days. The dog’s stool is watery and dark, almost black in color. Physical exam reveals poor capillary refill time, tachycardia, and a weak pulse. Bloodwork shows neutropenia, low albumin, and hypoglycemia. What is the most likely diagnosis, and what is the first-line approach in managing this case?
- A) Canine coronavirus; initiate anti-emetics only
- B) Canine parvovirus; aggressive fluid therapy and supportive care
- C) Gastric foreign body; perform immediate surgery
- D) Infectious canine hepatitis; focus on hepatic support
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The young, high-risk breed with gastrointestinal symptoms, severe dehydration, and bloodwork findings (neutropenia, hypoglycemia) suggests parvovirus. The first-line approach should be aggressive fluid therapy to restore hydration and correct electrolyte imbalances, as well as supportive care.
Question 2
A 3-month-old mixed-breed puppy with a recent history of vomiting and diarrhea is brought in for evaluation. The owner has noticed lethargy and decreased appetite. Physical examination reveals a low body temperature and pale mucous membranes. An in-house ELISA test for parvovirus comes back negative. How should you proceed?
- A) Dismiss parvovirus and provide dietary recommendations
- B) Repeat ELISA and recheck in a week
- C) Initiate supportive therapy for parvovirus and monitor symptoms closely
- D) Refer for abdominal ultrasound
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The negative ELISA test could be a false negative since it was performed early in the disease course. Given the clinical presentation and high risk for parvovirus, supportive therapy should begin immediately, and diagnostics can be repeated later if symptoms persist.
Question 3
A young Rottweiler with an incomplete vaccination history is hospitalized for a suspected parvovirus infection. Over the course of treatment, the veterinarian notices peripheral edema and lab results showing a drop in albumin levels. What is the recommended next step in management?
- A) Increase oral fluids
- B) Begin colloids or fresh frozen plasma
- C) Discharge and monitor at home
- D) Initiate metoclopramide to enhance GI motility
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Parvovirus cases with low albumin and peripheral edema require adjustments in supportive care, specifically with colloids or fresh frozen plasma to stabilize protein levels and reduce edema. Oral fluids and metoclopramide would be inappropriate or insufficient in this scenario.
For study notes visit cracknavle.com