Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Blood white cell changes predict survival in puppies with parvovirus
By Goddard, A et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2008·Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prognostic usefulness of blood leukocyte changes in canine parvoviral enteritis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 62 puppies diagnosed with parvovirus were monitored for changes in their white blood cell counts to help predict their chances of recovery. The study found that puppies who survived showed an increase in certain white blood cells over the first 48 hours, while those that did not survive had significant drops in their white blood cell counts and other concerning signs. By evaluating these blood changes within the first day, veterinarians could better determine which puppies were likely to recover and which were at higher risk of complications.
People also search for: puppy parvovirus treatment · parvo survival rate in dogs · signs of parvovirus in puppies
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite treatment, many dogs still die of complications related to canine parvoviral (CPV) enteritis. Effective prognostication would be beneficial in managing this disease. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that the occurrence of leukocytopenias at admission and at 24 and 48 hours after admission, and changes in absolute leukocyte counts over time, could be used to predict outcome. ANIMALS: Sixty-two puppies with confirmed CPV. METHODS: A prospective study was performed. CBC was performed daily until discharge or death (in which case a postmortem examination was performed). RESULTS: Of the nonsurvivors (10/62; 16%), 9 died because of complications of the disease and 1 was euthanized because of a poor prognosis. There was a statistical significant difference in the occurrence of leukocytopenias between groups at 24 and 48 hours postadmission. The survivors showed a significant increase over time in certain leukocyte types (specifically lymphocytes) compared with values at admission. The positive predictive value for survivors was high. Nonsurvivors had marked thymic and lymphoid atrophy and marked bone marrow hypocellularity. CONCLUSION: An accurate prognosis could be obtained at 24 hours after admission by evaluating the change in total leukocyte, band neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18371025/