Canine Parvovirus

Question 1

What is the common presentation?

Answer 1

Lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea (usually bloody), dehydration

Question 2

What is the diagnostic test of choice?

Answer 2

Fecal ELISA - parvo antigen

Question 3

Whehn might you get a false positive on a parvo ELISA?

Answer 3

From recent vax

Question 4

Why would you run a fecal float on a parvo suspect dog?

Answer 4

To rule out concurrent helminthiasis (common)

Question 5

Why might you do rads on a parvo suspect?

Answer 5

To R/O FB, intussusception

Question 6

What is the general tx of choice for parvo suspects?

Answer 6

ISOLATE;
Rehydrate;
Treat/prevent sepsis, correct K+/glucose, normalize BP, stop vomiting, pain control, nutritional support

Question 7

What is the acute tx for parvo?

Answer 7

Admit, ISOLATE, place IVC, IV abx (cefazolin/ampicillin), IV crystalloid bolus if hypovolemic shock

Question 8

What tests would you run immediately for a parvo dog?

Answer 8

Hct/TP, glucose

Question 9

What should be done for tx in the first 2 hours?

Answer 9

Calculate fluid needs (rehydration + maint + ongoing losses for 12 hours);
Colloids 10-20 mg/kg IV if shock or hypoalbuminemia

Question 10

How can BP be corrected in the first 2 hours?

Answer 10

Give 1/4 to 1/2 of fluid needs

Question 11

What should be done with fluid tx after the first 2 hours?

Answer 11

Give rest of fluid allotment over 10 hours