Disease Overview

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies and dogs. There are 3 variants of the virus, CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c, which evolved only a few years after the first antigenic variants were discovered.

CANINE PARVOVIROSIS FAST FACTS

• The first strains of CPV-2 emerged in the late 1970s.
• Death can occur as early as 2 days after the onset of illness.³⁵
• Canine parvovirus type 2c (CPV-2c) is the most recent variant of canine parvovirus. It was first detected in Europe in 2000 and cases of canine parvovirus associated with CPV-2c in the United States were first confirmed in 2006.

TRANSMISSION

CPV-2 is transmitted by direct and indirect contact:

• Contaminated surfaces
• Food and water bowls
• Collars and leashes
• Hands and clothing of people who touch a CPV-2–infected dog³⁵

CLINICAL SIGNS

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Severe, and often bloody, diarrhea

DOGS AT RISK

• Young dogs
• Dogs that come from shelters, rescue centers, breeding kennels, or pet stores
• Boarding at a kennel or doggie daycare
• Visiting groomers, dog parks, or engaging with other dogs on a daily basis
• Dogs that live in multiple pet homes

MORBIDITY THREATS

Lymphopenia and neutropenia develop secondary to destruction of hematopoietic progenitor cells in the bone marrow and lymphopoietic tissues.

Infection in utero or in pups less than 8 weeks of age can result in myocardial infection, necrosis, and myocarditis.

Severely affected animals may present signs potentially consistent with septic shock.

SPREADING DISEASE

Canine Parvovirosis is shed:

• In the feces of infected dogs within 4–5 days of exposure
• Throughout the period of illness
• For approximately 10 days after clinical recovery

CPV-2 is one of the most resistant viruses to infect dogs:

• The virus can survive indoors at room temperature for a few weeks
• If protected from sunlight and desiccation, it can persist for many months

DIAGNOSIS

CPV-2 enteritis should be suspected in any young, unvaccinated, or incompletely vaccinated dog with relevant clinical signs.

Over the course of the illness, most dogs develop a moderate to severe leukopenia characterized by lymphopenia and neutropenia.