Retrospective evaluation of outpatient canine parvovirus treatment in a shelter-based low-cost urban clinic.

Abstract

To evaluate survival and associated risk factors when utilizing an outpatient treatment protocol for treatment of canine parvovirus (CPV) performed in a shelter-based low-cost urban clinic. Retrospective study. Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Ninety-five CPV positive dogs presented between June 1 and July 31, 2016. Owners elected for outpatient care when inpatient care was not financially feasible and the dog was considered medically stable for outpatient care. None. Of the 95 CPV positive dogs, 79 (83%) survived treatment. Logistic regression indicated that an increasing number of days with clinical signs prior to treatment and an increase in percent body weight during treatment were significantly associated with survival (odds ratio [OR], 3.15, P=0.020; and OR, 1.29, P=0.027, respectively). Hypothermia upon presentation (T<37℃) was negatively associated with survival (OR, 0.002; P=0.002). The survival rate of this clinic suggests that an outpatient program may be a potential alternative treatment to inpatient care. Longer duration of clinical signs prior to treatment and an increase in percent body weight during treatment appear to be associated with increased survival outcomes, while hypothermia on presentation appears to be associated with decreased survival outcomes.