Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Low vitamin B12 levels in dogs with parvovirus infection
By Engelbrecht, Monique et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2022·Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Serum cobalamin concentrations in dogs infected with canine parvoviral enteritis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 45 dogs with parvovirus infection were found to have lower levels of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in their blood compared to healthy dogs. This deficiency was common among the infected dogs, but it’s unclear how significant it is for their recovery. All dogs received supportive care during their treatment. More research is needed to understand the impact of low vitamin B12 levels in dogs suffering from parvovirus.
People also search for: dog parvovirus treatment · low vitamin B12 in dogs · canine parvovirus symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the serum cobalamin concentrations in canine parvovirus (CPV)-infected dogs with those of healthy control dogs. ANIMALS: 45 dogs with CPV enteritis and 17 healthy age-matched control dogs. PROCEDURES: Infection was confirmed by visualization of CPV-2 through fecal electron microscopy. All dogs received supportive care. Serum samples taken at admission were used to determine cobalamin, C-reactive protein, and albumin concentrations. RESULTS: Serum cobalamin concentrations were significantly lower in the CPV-infected group (median [interquartile range], 173 pmol/L [< 111 to 722 pmol/L]) than in healthy control dogs (379 pmol/L [193 to > 738 pmol/L). There was no association between cobalamin concentration and C-reactive protein or albumin concentration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: While hypocobalaminemia was common in CPV-infected dogs, the clinical relevance of this finding remains to be determined. Studies assessing markers of cellular cobalamin deficiency in dogs with CPV infection appear warranted.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35113794/