Canine Infectious Diseases

Question 1

Canine Parvovirus
What is the aetiology?

Answer 1

CPV-2 is most common strain.
Can be harboured by cats.
Most commonly affects weaned puppies who have lost their MDA, between 8-12 weeks, or in adults who have not been vaccinated.

Question 2

Canine Parvovirus
What is the pathophysiology? (4 points)

Answer 2

Virus has affinity for rapidly dividing cells in the gut wall and lymphoid tissue including bone marrow.

Multiplies in small intestinal crypt lining cells, leading to destruction of lining and inability to absorb nutrients.

In advanced cases, intestines may be so compromised as to allow bacterial invasion from the gut to the bloodstream.

Affects on bone marrow/lymphoid system will suppress immune response and lead to leucopaenia.

Question 3

Canine Parvovirus
What are the clinical signs?

Answer 3

Depression
Anorexia
Severe vomiting
Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea
Pyrexia
Severe weight loss
Dehydration
Shock - endotoxins cross gut wall

Question 4

Canine Parvovirus
What are the diagnostic techniques? (4 points)

Answer 4

History and clinical signs - local outbreak, typical disease pattern.

Faecal testing - ELISA detects CPV-2 antigen - can get false negatives as virus only sheds 3-7 days post infection - rapid and simple test can be done in practice.

Faecal PCR - CPV-2 DNA detects in faeces, send to external lab can take 3 days. Commonly done if the faecal swab is negative but infection still suspected.

Serum antibody - external lab, less commonly used.