Canine Parvovirosis

CPV-2 is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal tract.

Disease Overview

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies and dogs. There are 3 variants of the virus, CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c, which evolved only a few years after the first antigenic variants were discovered.

CANINE PARVOVIROSIS FAST FACTS

The first strains of CPV-2 emerged in the late 1970s.
Death can occur as early as 2 days after the onset of illness.³⁵
Canine parvovirus type 2c (CPV-2c) is the most recent variant of canine parvovirus. It was first detected in Europe in 2000 and cases of canine parvovirus associated with CPV-2c in the United States were first confirmed in 2006.

TRANSMISSION

CPV-2 is transmitted by direct and indirect contact:

Contaminated surfaces
Food and water bowls
Collars and leashes
Hands and clothing of people who touch a CPV-2–infected dog³⁵

CLINICAL SIGNS

Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Fever
Vomiting
Severe, and often bloody, diarrhea

DOGS AT RISK

Young dogs
Dogs that come from shelters, rescue centers, breeding kennels, or pet stores
Boarding at a kennel or doggie daycare
Visiting groomers, dog parks, or engaging with other dogs on a daily basis
Dogs that live in multiple pet homes

MORBIDITY THREATS

Lymphopenia and neutropenia develop secondary to destruction of hematopoietic progenitor cells in the bone marrow and lymphopoietic tissues.

Infection in utero or in pups less than 8 weeks of age can result in myocardial infection, necrosis, and myocarditis.

Severely affected animals may present signs potentially consistent with septic shock.

SPREADING DISEASE

Canine Parvovirosis is shed:

In the feces of infected dogs within 4–5 days of exposure
Throughout the period of illness
For approximately 10 days after clinical recovery

CPV-2 is one of the most resistant viruses to infect dogs:

The virus can survive indoors at room temperature for a few weeks
If protected from sunlight and desiccation, it can persist for many months

DIAGNOSIS

CPV-2 enteritis should be suspected in any young, unvaccinated, or incompletely vaccinated dog with relevant clinical signs.

Over the course of the illness, most dogs develop a moderate to severe leukopenia characterized by lymphopenia and neutropenia.

Merck Animal Health Vaccines

NOBIVAC^® CANINE 1-DAPPv

This product has been shown to be effective for vaccination of healthy dogs 6 weeks of age or older against canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 1 (hepatitis), canine adenovirus type 2 (respiratory disease), canine parainfluenza virus and canine parvovirus.

learn more