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Gastrointestinal · Dogs

Canine Parvoviral Enteritis

Canine Parvoviral Enteritis (Canine parvovirus, CPV-2, Parvo) is a gastrointestinal condition of dogs. Key signs are profuse haemorrhagic diarrhoea, vomiting (often projectile) and severe dehydration; diagnosis rests on Faecal antigen ELISA and PCR on faeces. With aggressive in-hospital care, survival rates 70–90%.

At a glance

Species
Dogs
Body system
Gastrointestinal
Also known as
Canine parvovirus, CPV-2, Parvo

Key clinical signs

  • Profuse haemorrhagic diarrhoea
  • Vomiting (often projectile)
  • Severe dehydration
  • Lethargy and anorexia
  • Fever (early) progressing to hypothermia (terminal)

Other signs

  • Marked leukopenia / neutropenia
  • Hypoglycaemia in puppies
  • Hypoalbuminaemia
  • Intussusception (occasional)
  • Myocarditis (rare; very young pups)

Differential diagnoses

  • Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis
  • Canine distemper (intestinal form)
  • Salmonellosis
  • Severe hookworm or whipworm
  • GI foreign body
  • Coronaviral enteritis

Diagnosis

  • Faecal antigen ELISA (snap test)
  • PCR on faeces
  • CBC: marked leukopenia / lymphopenia
  • Hypoglycaemia, electrolyte panel
  • Abdominal radiographs/ultrasound to rule out FB / intussusception

Treatment outline

Aggressive supportive care: IV crystalloid fluids with potassium and dextrose supplementation; antiemetics (maropitant, ondansetron); broad-spectrum antibiotics covering Gram-negative and anaerobes (e.g. ampicillin + enrofloxacin in pups >8 weeks if not in MDR1 risk); plasma or colloid for severe hypoalbuminaemia; analgesia; early enteral nutrition once vomiting controlled.

An outline, not a prescription. Check each drug’s dose for the species, the patient and the product in the drug calculator before use.

Prognosis

With aggressive in-hospital care, survival rates 70–90%. Without supportive care, mortality is high, especially in unvaccinated puppies <16 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

What are the signs of canine parvoviral enteritis in dogs?

Profuse haemorrhagic diarrhoea, vomiting (often projectile), severe dehydration, lethargy and anorexia and fever (early) progressing to hypothermia (terminal). Less specific signs include marked leukopenia / neutropenia, hypoglycaemia in puppies and hypoalbuminaemia.

How is canine parvoviral enteritis diagnosed?

Faecal antigen ELISA (snap test), PCR on faeces, CBC: marked leukopenia / lymphopenia, Hypoglycaemia, electrolyte panel and Abdominal radiographs/ultrasound to rule out FB / intussusception. Differentials to rule out include haemorrhagic gastroenteritis, canine distemper (intestinal form), salmonellosis and severe hookworm or whipworm.

How is canine parvoviral enteritis treated?

Aggressive supportive care: IV crystalloid fluids with potassium and dextrose supplementation; antiemetics (maropitant, ondansetron); broad-spectrum antibiotics covering Gram-negative and anaerobes (e.g. ampicillin + enrofloxacin in pups >8 weeks if not in MDR1 risk); plasma or colloid for severe hypoalbuminaemia; analgesia; early enteral nutrition once vomiting controlled.

What is the prognosis for canine parvoviral enteritis?

With aggressive in-hospital care, survival rates 70–90%. Without supportive care, mortality is high, especially in unvaccinated puppies <16 weeks.

Sources

  • Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th edition

Last reviewed · VetMasterJi