Parvovirus Enteritis

Canine Disease

• Until 1978 Parvovirus enteriris was totally unknown in dogs.
• First seen in dogs in Australia.
  • Apeared very similar but perhaps slightly worse than the disease seen in the cat.
  • A new and distinct disease, but the virus is very closely related to the feline virus.
    • Viral DNA is 98% homologous to the feline virus.
  • The canine virus does NOT cause disease in cats.
• Clinical
  • Causes enteritis in young dogs over 6 weeks old.
  • Causes myocarditis in puppies.
  • Mainly affects the small intestine.
• Vaccines are very effective, but the virus is hardy and survives in the environment.
• Diagnosis:
  • Look for viral antigen in the faeces by the red cell agglutination test.
  • Immunoflurescence.
  • ELISA.
  • Serology.