A Decade of Treatment of Canine Parvovirus in an Animal Shelter: A Retrospective Study

To determine the proportion of dogs entering an animal shelter with protective antibody titers (PATs) for canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine parvovirus (CPV) and identify factors associated with having a PAT. Cross-sectional study. 431 dogs admitted to an open-admission municipal animal shelter in north central Florida with a history of infectious disease outbreaks. Blood was collected from dogs on the day of admission to the shelter. Antibody titers for CDV and CPV were measured by virus neutralization and hemagglutination inhibition, respectively. Age, sex, neuter status, address of origin, source (stray or previously owned), health status (healthy or not healthy), and outcome (adoption, euthanasia, or reclaimed by owner) data were also collected. Overall, 64.5% (278/431) of dogs had insufficient titers for antibodies against CDV, CPV, or both. A total of 153 (35.5%) dogs had PATs for both CDV and CPV, 33 (7.7%) had PATs for CDV but not CPV, 136 (31.5%) had PATs for CPV but not CDV, and 109 (25.3%) did not have PATs for either virus. Older dogs were more likely to have PATs for CDV and CPV. Neutered dogs were more likely to have PATs for CDV. Factors not associated with having a PAT included source, health status, and type of community from which the dog originated. Most dogs had insufficient antibody titers for CDV, CPV, or both at the time of admission to the animal shelter. Findings support current guidelines recommending vaccination of all dogs immediately upon admission to shelters, regardless of source or physical condition.

The WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG) was convened in order to develop guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats that have global application. The first version of these guidelines was published in 2007 and they were updated in 2010. The present document provides a further updated and expanded version of these international guidelines for the vaccination of small companion animals and indicates the scientific evidence base on which the recommendations are made. The VGG recognises that the keeping of pet small animals is subject to considerable variation in practice and associated economics throughout the world and that vaccination recommendations that might apply to a developed country may not be appropriate for a developing country. These guidelines are not a mandatory edict, but rather should be used by national associations and individual veterinary practices to develop vaccination schedules relevant locally. However, the VGG strongly recommends that wherever possible ALL dogs and cats receive the benefit of vaccination. This not only protects the individual animal, but provides optimum ‘herd immunity’ that minimises the likelihood of infectious disease outbreaks. With this background in mind, the VGG has defined core vaccines as those which ALL dogs and cats, regardless of circumstances or geographical location, should receive. Core vaccines protect animals from severe, life-threatening diseases that have global distribution. Core vaccines for dogs are those that protect against canine distemper virus (CDV), canine adenovirus (CAV) and the variants of canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). Core vaccines for cats are those that protect against feline parvovirus (FPV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1). In areas of the world where rabies virus infection is endemic, vaccination against this agent should be considered core for both species, even if there is no legal requirement for routine vaccination. The VGG recognizes that maternally-derived antibody (MDA) interferes with the efficacy of most current core vaccines administered to pups and kittens in early life. Because the level of MDA varies among litters, the VGG recommends administration of multiple core vaccine doses to pups and kittens, with the final dose given at 16 weeks or older and followed by a booster at 6- or 12-months of age. In cultural or financial situations where a pet animal may only be permitted the benefit of a single vaccination, that vaccination should be with core vaccines at 16 weeks of age or older. The VGG supports the use of simple in-practice tests for determination of seroconversion to the core vaccine components (CDV, CAV, CPV-2 and FPV) following vaccination, for determination of seroprotection in adult dogs and for management of infectious disease outbreaks in shelters. Vaccines should not be given needlessly. Core vaccines should not be given any more frequently than every three years after the 6- or 12-month booster injection following the puppy/kitten series, because the duration of immunity (DOI) is many years and may be up to the lifetime of the pet. The VGG has defined non-core vaccines as those that are required by only those animals whose geographical location, local environment or lifestyle places them at risk of contracting specific infections. The VGG has also classified some vaccines as not recommended (where there is insufficient scientific evidence to justify their use) and has not considered a number of minority products which have restricted geographical availability or application. The VGG strongly supports the concept of regular (usually annual) health checks which removes the emphasis from, and client expectation of, annual revaccination. The annual health check may still encompass administration of selected non-core vaccines which should be administered annually, as the DOI for these products is generally 1 year. The VGG has considered the use of vaccines in animal shelters, again recognising the particular circumstances of such establishments and the financial constraints under which they sometimes operate. The VGG minimum shelter guidelines are simple: that all dogs and cats entering such an establishment should be vaccinated before, or at the time of entry, with core vaccines. Where finances permit, repeated core vaccines should be administered as per the schedules defined in the guidelines and non-core vaccines against respiratory disease may be included. The VGG recognizes the importance of adverse reaction reporting schemes, but understands that these are variably developed in different countries. Wherever possible, veterinarians should be actively encouraged to report all possible adverse events to the manufacturer and/or regulatory authority to expand the knowledge base that drives development of improved vaccine safety. These fundamental concepts proposed by the VGG may be encapsulated in the following statement: We should aim to vaccinate every animal with core vaccines. Non-core vaccines should be given no more frequently than is deemed necessary.

Prevalence of positive antibody test results for canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine distemper virus (CDV) and response to modified live vaccination against CPV and CDV in dogs entering animal shelters

Accuracy of a point-of-care ELISA test kit for predicting the presence of protective canine parvovirus and canine distemper virus antibody concentrations in dogs

A duplex rapid assay for detection of serum antibodies to canine parvovirus (CPV) was developed. Canine immunoglobulin (Ig)M or IgG were captured in immunotubes with anti-canine IgM or IgG and detected with parvovirus VP2 recombinant protein followed by an anti-VP2 monoclonal antibody. The assay was tested using a collection of sera from dogs that were vaccinated against CPV on arrival at an animal shelter in Madrid, Spain. Results were compared with those of 2 commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) considered as reference techniques. A high correlation was found between the duplex rapid assay and the ELISAs, presenting an accuracy of 98% and 100% for IgG and IgM, respectively. According to the IgG and IgM levels at days 0-3 postvaccination, the samples were divided into 2 groups. One group of dogs showed high IgG and low IgM values at the first sampling post-vaccination and during the following 14 days, indicating that they had previously been in contact with the virus, either by vaccination or infection before arrival at the animal shelter. A second group of dogs appeared to be unvaccinated or uninfected before arrival at the animal shelter because they had negative IgM and IgG values soon after vaccination. These animals responded to vaccination, as demonstrated by seroconversion of both isotypes of immunoglobulins. The developed assay appears to be useful in determining the unknown immune status of dogs to CPV, especially in kennels and shelters where the rate of infection by CPV is relatively high.

BackgroundDogs infected with canine parvovirus (CPV) have compromised intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. Production of D‐lactate by enteric bacteria may directly reflect disease severity or contribute to metabolic acid‐base status in these dogs.HypothesisSerum D‐lactate concentration will be increased in CPV dogs compared to healthy controls and correlate with markers of disease severity and acid‐base status.AnimalsDogs with CPV undergoing treatment (n = 40) and healthy control dogs (n = 9).MethodsProspective observational study. Dogs with CPV had a baseline and daily CBC, venous blood gas with serum electrolyte concentrations, composite clinical severity score, and serum D‐lactate concentration performed. A single serum D‐lactate measurement was obtained from healthy control dogs.ResultsThe CPV dogs had a higher D‐lactate concentration (mean ± SD) of 469 ± 173 μM compared to controls, 306 ± 45 μM (P < .001). There was no difference in baseline D‐lactate concentrations for CPV survivors (474 ± 28 μM), versus nonsurvivors (424 ± 116 μM; P = .70). D‐lactate concentration decreased over the first 4 days of treatment (−9.6 μM/d; P = .46). Dogs hospitalized for <4 days had lower baseline D‐lactate concentrations compared to those hospitalized ≥4 days (400 ± 178 μM versus 520 ± 152 μM; P = .03). No sustained correlation over time between serum D‐lactate concentration and clinical severity score or recorded acid‐base results.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSerum D‐lactate concentrations are higher in dogs with CPV compared to healthy controls but do not appear to be clinically relevant. No relationship identified between serum D‐lactate concentrations and markers of CPV disease severity, acid‐base status, or outcome.

To determine if canine parvovirus (CPV) or feline panleucopenia virus (FPV) genomic sequences are present in adult feline bone marrow samples. Bone marrow samples were obtained from 32 semi-feral cats that were euthanased at an animal shelter. DNA was extracted and subjected to conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) designed to determine if CPV or FPV DNA was present. Positive PCR products were purified, cloned and sequenced to differentiate between CPV and FPV. Eight of the bone marrow samples contained parvoviral DNA (7 CPV, 1 FPV). CPV and FPV DNA can be found in the bone marrow of healthy adult cats.

Canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), and Streptococcus zooepidemicus (S. zoo) represent a range of infectious agents that can cause epidemic disease in dogs, particularly those housed in animal shelters. Outbreaks of disease associated with these agents are relatively common in shelters, resulting in isolation, quarantine, euthanasia, and in some cases, shelter closure in efforts to manage the outbreak. In recent years, outbreaks of CDV and S. zoo have been particularly challenging for shelters in Arizona. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has proven useful in disease monitoring and outbreak prediction in human populations, including congregate locations, and we hypothesized that it may also be useful in surveillance and prediction for agents responsible for either gastrointestinal (GI) or respiratory disease in shelter animals. Our specific aims were to develop and validate a protocol for detecting infectious agents from wastewater samples collected from shelter run sections and to investigate associations with agent burden and counts of animals with clinical signs. Once protocols for sampling and preparation were optimized, environmental wastewater samples were collected weekly between November 2023 and April 2024 at a large open intake municipal animal shelter in Phoenix, Arizona. The samples were collected from seven drains located in seven run sections in three separate buildings, and were evaluated for the presence of the three agent nucleic acids using quantitative, multiplex PCR. The counts of dogs actively showing GI and respiratory symptoms, graded as mild, moderate, and severe, were collected the afternoon of the day of sampling. Biosafety committee approval was granted for the viruses in this study. Shedding of CPV was found to be widespread and variable over time. S. zoo was detected five times on five different weeks in five different run sections. CDV was found once. There were only six dogs reported with GI signs during the study period. Counts of respiratory disease ranged from 42-132 dogs per run section with most cases being mild in severity and reported in the isolation run section. There is no apparent association between counts of either respiratory or GI cases and the three agents detected through wastewater sampling. During the study there was a single incident of a S. zoo PCR positive dog being isolated and later dying at the shelter. S. zoo was detected through wastewater sampling the week prior to the incident, however, in a run section located in a different building than where the PCR positive dog was housed. To the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to develop protocols to detect critical pathogens in wastewater samples from an animal shelter. CPV has been the pathogen most frequently detected, which we speculate may be largely due to the shedding typically observed in dogs post-vaccination, given the absence of GI signs. Further investigation is warranted to better characterize the absence of amplifiable CDV nucleic acids and to examine these samples for other common shelter pathogens.

Feline parvovirus infection and associated diseases

To compare 2 assays for use in the identification of dogs with a protective antibody titer (PAT) against canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine distemper virus (CDV). Prospective cross-sectional study. 431 dogs admitted to a municipal animal shelter in north central Florida. Blood samples were collected from dogs on the day of admission to the shelter. Serum was obtained, criterion-referenced assays were used to identify dogs that had PATs against CPV (titers ≥ 80; hemagglutination inhibition assay) and CDV (titers ≥ 32; virus neutralization assay), and results were compared with results of a semiquantitative ELISA and an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). For correct identification of dogs that had PATs against viruses, the ELISA had significantly higher specificity for CPV (98%) and CDV (95%) than did the IFA (82% and 70%, respectively) and had significantly lower sensitivity for CDV (88%) than did the IFA (97%); the sensitivity for CPV was similar (ELISA, 98%; IFA, 97%). Overall diagnostic accuracy was significantly greater with the ELISA than with the IFA. Predictive value of a positive result for PATs was significantly higher with the ELISA for CPV (99%) and CDV (93%) than with the IFA (92% and 71%, respectively). The ELISA had fewer false-positive results than did the IFA and could be performed on-site in shelters in < 1 hour. Accuracy and practicality of the ELISA may be useful for identifying the infection risk of dogs exposed during outbreaks attributable to CPV and CDV infections in shelters.

Introduction: Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs, with often lengthy and expensive treatment that can still end in fatality. In a shelter setting, the length and cost of treatment are important and related factors in being able to provide care for dogs affected with CPV-2. This study examined the addition of canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody (CPMA) to an established treatment program on the length of treatment, cost of treatment, and mortality in a shelter setting. Methods: This retrospective observational study examined 94 cases of parvovirus diagnosed via IDEXX SNAP testing in a limited admission shelter between the years 2022 and 2024. All cases were treated with the shelter’s standard parvovirus treatment protocol, and 51 of those cases additionally received CPMA. The median length of treatment, average cost of treatment, and mortality rate were compared between those treated with CPMA versus those that were not. Results: Of the 94 cases examined, 43 were not treated with CPMA and 51 were. The median length of treatment of the CPMA group was 3 days (95% confidence interval, CI [3.3–4.5]) compared to 6.5 days (95% CI [5.5–7.4]) for the control group, a significant decrease for dogs treated with CPMA. The average cost of treatment for the CPMA treated group was $962 (95% CI [$848–$1,140]) compared to $1,447 (95% CI [$1,243–$1,658]) for the control group, also showing a significant decrease. The mortality rate of the CPMA treated group was 6% compared to 12% for the control group; this was lower but ultimately not statistically significant. Conclusion: The addition of CPMA to established treatment plans for CPV-2 was associated with a significant decrease in the length and cost of treatment, but no significant decrease in the mortality rate.

Introduction: Typical inpatient treatment for canine parvovirus (CPV) is expensive and unaffordable for many pet owners. Outpatient treatment may be a viable alternative when hospitalization is inaccessible due to finances or other barriers. This study aimed to determine survival for dogs receiving a once-daily clinic visit outpatient treatment protocol for CPV in a community medicine clinic. Potential predictors of survival, as well as owner-reported treatment satisfaction and feasibility, were also examined. Methods: Within a prospective, observational design, data including patient history, clinical signs, treatments received, and treatment outcome were captured in the medical record. Owners were invited to complete a survey about their treatment experience. Survival and survey responses were summarized using counts and percentages. Logistic regression modeling was used to evaluate potential predictors of survival. Results: During the study period of October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2023, 113 dogs met the inclusion criteria and were treated with the once-daily outpatient CPV protocol. Of these, 73 survived, 23 died, two were euthanized during treatment, and 15 were lost to follow-up. Seventy-four percent (73/98, 95% confidence interval, 65%–83%) of those with a known outcome survived. Requiring and receiving ≥ 2 days of subcutaneous fluids, having pale mucous membranes at baseline, and being referred for and receiving weekend treatment at a partner clinic predicted decreased survival, while having ≥ 3 total once-daily clinic visits was associated with increased survival. Most owners reported that the treatments were easy to administer and that they had a positive experience and were satisfied with the treatment. Conclusion: Findings build upon existing research showing good outcomes with lower-cost CPV treatment, adding another evidence-based option to tailor treatment to the needs and preferences of the patient, client, clinic, and community. Offering outpatient treatment within a spectrum of care approach can increase access to care for more dogs with parvovirus.

Canine parvovirus infection is serious life threatening infectious viral disease and major cause of death in young puppies. Due to lack of proper vaccination , mismanagement and lack of knowledge about proper vaccination schedule to pet owners are key cause of occurrence of canine parvo viral disease in Nepal. The disease occurs in two form intestinal and cardiac form in which occurrence of intestinal form is higher with hemorrhagic enteritis. The German shepherd dog of 6 months old was presented at Central Referral Veterinary Hospital (CRVH). The dog was suffering from anorexia , vomiting , bloody diarrhea , dehydration and subnormal temperature . The clinical sign and symptoms were similar to parvovirus infection and rectal swab was taken and was confirmed by Rapid Test Kit showing parvo positive. Symptomatic and supportive therapy was done as a line of treatment by using Ringers lactate @ 400ml I/V for 5 days along with Ranitidine @ 0.5mg / kg body weight BID I/M , antibiotic: Ceftiofur @2.2mg /kg body wt. I/M for 5 days , antidiarrheal :Metronidazole @ 20mg/kgb.wt. IV daily for 3days,antiemetic: Perinorm (Metoclopramide) @ 0.2mg/kg b.wt. I/V for 3 days , Vitamin K: @ 0.5 ml I/V single dose , Conciplex (Vitamin B-complex) @ 3ml I/V for 3 days and Transamic acid @ 5mg/ kg b. wt. for 3 days was given. The pet owner was instructed not to give food and water for 3 days and the prognosis of dog was satisfactory.

Canine parvo virus infection (CPVI) is highly infectious disease of dogs causing acute gastrointestinal illness in dog with high morbidity. In Kathmandu valley, knowledge on the epidemiology of diseases of dogs is limited. To determine the prevalence of disease in owned dogs in the Kathmandu valley and its associated risk factors, a retrospective study of data from clinical records of the Mount Everest kennel club (old Baneshwor height) during a one-year period was conducted. Using an Excel line graph and pie chart, the prevalence of canine parvovirus infection was examined according to season, age, and vaccination status. A total of 504 cases were seen in the 735 clinical records reviewed, of which 145 cases—or 11.01 % of all cases—had CPVI-like symptoms. The prevalence of CPVI in dogs sold by Mount Everest Kennel club in the valley was estimated to be 11.01% where high cases were observed during the dry season (peaks at April and December) though it could also reach peak during the rainy season (July-August). High number (55.6%; 45/81) of outbreaks were noted among the age group below 3 months followed by age group 4 to 7 months (33.3%; 27/81) and least number of outbreaks were noted in the age group older than 7 months (11.1%;9/81). High number (55.6%; 45/81) of outbreaks were noted among the age group below 3 months followed by age group 4 to 7 months (33.3%; 27/81) and least number of outbreaks were noted in the age group older than 7 months (11.1%;9/81). Disease incidence was highest in German shepherd (21%; 17/81), Japanese spitz (18.51%; 15/81), Labrador (18.51%; 15/81) and mixed/cross (42%; 34/81). Few Vaccinated dogs (7.4%; 6/81) were also found to be tested positive with CPVI. Our finding showed that temperature, breed susceptibility and vaccination status can be the possible risk factors associated with CPVI infection among dog population in Kathmandu valley suggesting pet owners to regularly follow the vaccination schedule, vaccinate their dogs in a timely manner, and routinely check on the health of their canines. Additionally, owners should be aware of the risks and should keep their dogs away from stray dogs.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis has, since its emergence in 1978, remained a common and important cause of morbidity and mortality in young dogs. The continued incidence of parvoviral enteritis is partly due to the virus' capability to evolve into more virulent and resistant variants with significant local gastrointestinal and systemic inflammatory sequelae. This paper reviews current knowledge on historical-, signalment-, and clinical factors as well as several haematological-, biochemical- and endocrine parameters that can be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in CPV enteritis. These factors include season of presentation, purebred nature, bodyweight, vomiting, leukopaenia, lymphopaenia, thrombocytopaenia, hypercoagulability, hypercortisolaemia, hypothyroxinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, elevated C-reactive protein and tumour necrosis factor, hypocholesterolaemia and hypocitrullinaemia. Factors contributing to the manifestations of CPV infection are multiple with elements of host, pathogen, secondary infections, underlying stressors and environment affecting severity and outcome. The availability of several prognosticators has made identification of patients at high risk of death and their subsequent targeted management more rewarding.