Canine parvovirus has a mortality rate of up to 90% in untreated puppies but drops to <10% with aggressive hospitalization. Maternal antibody interference means puppies need a series of vaccinations. Use the Triage/Emergency Specialist for assessment and the Fluid Therapy Calculator for fluid planning.
Clinical signs: severe vomiting, hemorrhagic diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, fever or hypothermia, dehydration. CPV attacks rapidly dividing cells—intestinal crypts and bone marrow. Leukopenia is common. Fecal ELISA is highly sensitive; false positives can occur post-vaccination (shedding).
Differential: parasites, dietary indiscretion, foreign body, other viral enteritis. Severity varies; some puppies decompensate rapidly.
Warning: Parvo is highly contagious. Isolate affected puppies. Virus persists in environment for months. Bleach (1:30 dilution) and parvocidal disinfectants are essential for cleaning. Unvaccinated puppies should not enter contaminated areas.
Supportive care is the mainstay. IV fluids (crystalloids) to correct dehydration and maintain perfusion. Anti-emetics (maropitant, ondansetron). Broad-spectrum antibiotics (secondary bacteremia from gut translocation). Pain management. Nutritional support (enteral when vomiting controlled).
Plasma transfusion may help hypoproteinemia. Antiviral (oseltamivir) is sometimes used off-label; evidence is mixed. Monitor glucose, electrolytes, albumin.
Early enteral nutrition (when vomiting controlled) improves outcomes. Use a low-fat, highly digestible diet via syringe or nasogastric tube. Fasting prolongs intestinal atrophy.
Vaccinate at 6, 9, 12, and 16 weeks (or per AAHA guidelines). Avoid high-risk environments until fully vaccinated. Maternal antibodies can block vaccine response—hence the series. Titer testing can confirm immunity but is not a substitute for completing the series in puppies.
- Parvo: vomiting, hemorrhagic diarrhea, lethargy—emergency in puppies.
- Fecal ELISA diagnoses; leukopenia supports. Isolate—highly contagious.
- Treatment: IV fluids, anti-emetics, antibiotics, supportive care.
- Early enteral nutrition when vomiting controlled improves outcomes.
- Vaccinate at 6, 9, 12, 16 weeks; avoid high-risk areas until complete.