Clinical complications for canine parvovirus infection in puppies

Abstract

Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is one of the most important infectious diseases affecting young puppies. With aggressive supportive treatment, most puppies tend to survive the infection, while a minority develops some complications that make the course of treatment longer and more complicated. In this study, we documented the main complications of the CPV infection in 44 puppies referred to private practices in Baghdad. We present a full description of the cases with their clinical, laboratory and imaging findings and discuss the type, rate and causes of the complications in the survived puppies that occurred in the next two weeks. Out of 44 puppies, five did not survive, while, 30 cases were treated without any complications. In the meantime, Carpal / Tarsal laxity, decreased growth rate, antibiotic responsive diarrhea and ascites were observed in 6, 2, 2 and 1 case, respectively. Weaker puppies, inappropriate treatment protocol and/or uncomfortable small enclosures could be important predisposing factors for these complications. Therefore, it is highly recommended to start an appropriate treatment in larger enclosures and more comfortable floor as soon as possible, in addition to providing the oral soft food no later than 3-5 days to reduce further complications.