Parvoviral hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and its therapeutic intervention in a case of 5-month-old puppy

Abstract

Canine parvovirus hemorrhagic gastroenteritis causes a highly contagious acute enteritis and is predominantly infectious in unvaccinated dogs younger than six months. This study documents a case of parvovirus hemorrhagic gastroenteritis disease in young puppy in Ethiopia. The objective was to detail the clinical presentation and treatment approaches of canine parvovirus hemorrhagic gastroenteritis through tentative diagnosis. A five-month-old male puppy was presented to Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Addis Ababa University at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture in Bishoftu. The clinical presentations indicated complaints of a puppy that was normally alert and playful, becoming suddenly lethargic and depressed 3 days before being admitted to the hospital coupled with loss of appetite, subsequent vomiting and diarrhea were observed the day prior to presentation. The puppy later voided bloody and projectile foul-smelling diarrhea. Physical and clinical examinations revealed body temperature of 38.7 °C, pulse rate of 96 beats/minute and respiratory rate was 32 beats/minutes. It also showed frequent vomiting and diarrhea with retching and straining, prostration and isolating itself. Fecal sample was negative for parasitic infection. The case was tentatively diagnosed as parvovirus hemorrhagic gastroenteritis based on history, age and observed clinical signs. The puppy was successfully treated and recovered following antibiotic, intravenous fluid, Vitamin complex and antiemetic therapy. Therefore, timely and intensive intervention with appropriate pharmacological agents, complemented by supportive care, may result in complete recovery from the case. It is strongly recommended that the disease can be prevented and controlled by reducing stress, regular vaccination and deworming, and routine cleaning with disinfection of pets bedding.