Clinical and therapeutic aspects of parvovirus in naturally infected dogs: report of 37 cases

Abstract

Canine parvovirus is an infectious disease caused by the canine parvovirus (CPV), with significant implications for veterinary medicine due to its high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to describe the clinical and therapeutic aspects of parvovirus in naturally infected dogs treated at a private clinical center in Macaiba in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. We retrospectively analyzed canine parvovirus cases, extracting data from clinical care records between September 2022 and September 2023. The inclusion criteria were a history of vomiting or diarrhea and the performance of a rapid serological test for parvovirus or hospitalization. Out of 87 initially selected records, only 37 were included. All animals underwent the same therapeutic protocol during the hospitalization period. Among the positive cases, 40.5% were of no defined breed (SRD), 24.3% were Pitbull, and 16.2% were Pinsche, with other breeds accounting for 18.9% of clinical cases. Leukopenia was observed in 100% of the dogs and 59.4% showed signs of anemia, suggesting that blood count can provide veterinarians with preliminary information on a parvovirus infection, but specific tests are still necessary. The study delivers valuable guidance for informing the public about the risks and necessary precautions to avoid or minimize the impacts of parvovirus on canine health. The medical discharge rate was 94.7%, confirming the effectiveness of the treatment protocol, including vaccination for parvovirus-infected dogs.