How monoclonal antibody affects parvovirus treatment in shelter dogs

Abstract

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.