Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasound signs of parvovirus gut infection in puppies
By Stander, Nerissa et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2010·Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ultrasonographic appearance of canine parvoviral enteritis in puppies.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 40 puppies aged 6 to 24 weeks was examined for signs of parvoviral enteritis, a serious viral infection that affects the intestines. The puppies showed symptoms like fluid-filled intestines and weak contractions in their digestive tract. Ultrasound revealed that many had thickened intestinal walls and irregular mucosal surfaces, which are concerning signs. While these findings are not exclusive to parvovirus, their combination strongly suggests the infection. Treatment typically involves supportive care, and many puppies can recover with prompt veterinary attention.
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Abstract
The ultrasonographic appearance of the gastrointestinal tract of puppies suffering from parvoviral enteritis was characterized. Forty puppies between 6 and 24 weeks of age with confirmed canine parvoviral enteritis were examined ultrasonographically within 24 h of admission. Sonographic findings included fluid-filled small intestines in 92.5% of subjects, and stomach and colon in 80% and 62.5% of subjects, respectively. Generalized atony was present in 30 subjects and weak peristaltic contractions indicative of functional ileus observed in the remaining 10 subjects. The duodenal and jejunal mucosal layer thicknesses were significantly reduced when compared with normal puppies with mean duodenal mucosal layer measuring 1.7 mm and jejunal mucosal layer 1.0 mm. Additionally, a mucosal layer with diffuse hyperechoic speckles was seen in the duodenum (15% of subjects) and the jejunum (50% of subjects). The luminal surface of the duodenal mucosa was irregular in 22.5% of subjects and the jejunal mucosa in 42.5% of subjects. In all of these subjects, changes were accompanied by generalized indistinct wall layering. Small intestinal corrugations were seen within the duodenum in 35% of subjects and within the jejunum in 7.5%. A mild amount of anechoic free peritoneal fluid was observed in 26 subjects and was considered within normal limits and a moderate amount of anechoic free peritoneal fluid was observed in six subjects. The jejunal lymph node size was within normal limits. None of the above changes are pathognomonic for canine parvoviral enteritis but finding them in combination is highly suggestive.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20166398/