Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Canine Parvovirus-2a infection in a juvenile pup: Bone marrow findings and clinical implications
- Journal:
- Indian Journal of Veterinary Pathology
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- K. Nagarajan, Professor
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 2-month-old puppy was taken to the emergency veterinary hospital after having bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and signs of nervous system issues for four days. Blood tests showed that the puppy was anemic and had a very low white blood cell count, which means its immune system was severely weakened. A post-mortem examination revealed serious intestinal bleeding and damage to multiple organs, including a fatty liver. Further tests confirmed that the puppy was infected with a specific strain of canine parvovirus (CPV-2a), which is related to similar strains found in other countries. Unfortunately, despite the findings, the treatment did not improve the puppy's condition.
Abstract
A 2 month old non descriptive pup was presented to the Emergency and Critical Care Unit (ECCU) at Madras VeterinaryCollege Teaching Hospital with a 4-day clinical history of bloody diarrhoea, vomition and neurological manifestations suggestive of severe systemic involvement. Haematological analysis revealed anaemia and profound leukopenia, indicative of markedimmunosuppression. Necropsy findings demonstrated extensive hemorrhagic enteritis and multi-organ pathology, includingfatty enlarged liver and epicardial pallor. Histopatholgical examination revealed hepatic fatty degeneration, myocardial fibre degeneration, and intestinal crypt cell necrosis.Bone marrow examination showed severe hypocellularity with depletion of myeloidand erythroid cell lines that lead to leukopenia. Molecular detection and characterization of the VP2 gene confirmed infectionwith the CPV-2a variant, genetically related to strains reported from India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. The study highlights theimportance of bone marrow evaluation in diagnosing and managing CPV-2 infection, and underscores the value of integratingmolecular and pathological findings for accurate diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://doi.org/10.56093/cr49qj17