Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Success of Outpatient Treatment for Canine Parvovirus in a Subsidized Community Medicine Clinic in Florida
- Journal:
- Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health
- Year:
- 2025
- Authors:
- Accornero, Veronica H. et al.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how well outpatient treatment for canine parvovirus (CPV), a serious viral infection in dogs, works in a community clinic in Florida, especially for pet owners who can't afford expensive hospital stays. Over two years, 113 dogs were treated with a daily visit to the clinic, and 73 of them survived, while 23 died, two were euthanized during treatment, and 15 were lost to follow-up. The research found that dogs who received more than two days of fluids under the skin or had pale gums at the start were less likely to survive, but those who had three or more clinic visits had a better chance of survival. Most pet owners felt the treatment was easy to manage and were satisfied with their experience. Overall, the study suggests that outpatient treatment can be a successful and accessible option for dogs with parvovirus.
Abstract
Introduction: Typical inpatient treatment for canine parvovirus (CPV) is expensive and unaffordable for many pet owners. Outpatient treatment may be a viable alternative when hospitalization is inaccessible due to finances or other barriers. This study aimed to determine survival for dogs receiving a once-daily clinic visit outpatient treatment protocol for CPV in a community medicine clinic. Potential predictors of survival, as well as owner-reported treatment satisfaction and feasibility, were also examined. Methods: Within a prospective, observational design, data including patient history, clinical signs, treatments received, and treatment outcome were captured in the medical record. Owners were invited to complete a survey about their treatment experience. Survival and survey responses were summarized using counts and percentages. Logistic regression modeling was used to evaluate potential predictors of survival. Results: During the study period of October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2023, 113 dogs met the inclusion criteria and were treated with the once-daily outpatient CPV protocol. Of these, 73 survived, 23 died, two were euthanized during treatment, and 15 were lost to follow-up. Seventy-four percent (73/98, 95% confidence interval, 65%–83%) of those with a known outcome survived. Requiring and receiving ≥ 2 days of subcutaneous fluids, having pale mucous membranes at baseline, and being referred for and receiving weekend treatment at a partner clinic predicted decreased survival, while having ≥ 3 total once-daily clinic visits was associated with increased survival. Most owners reported that the treatments were easy to administer and that they had a positive experience and were satisfied with the treatment. Conclusion: Findings build upon existing research showing good outcomes with lower-cost CPV treatment, adding another evidence-based option to tailor treatment to the needs and preferences of the patient, client, clinic, and community. Offering outpatient treatment within a spectrum of care approach can increase access to care for more dogs with parvovirus.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://doi.org/10.56771/jsmcah.v4.131