EXPERIMENTAL CANINE PARVOVIRUS INFECTION IN DOGS

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  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 72  (2) , 103-119
Abstract
In specific pathogen-free dogs, clinical signs of experimental canine parvovirus infection were mild, inconsistent and transient. Clinical signs were more pronounced in conventionally-raised dogs, but the severe disease reported in field cases was not reproduced in either group. A pronounced plasma viremia occurred 2-4 days post-infection (d.p.i.) in dogs challenged oronasally. Antibody was detectable 5 d.p.i. Marked pyrexia was rare but a significant temperature rise usually coincided with the appearance of antibody and the cessation of viremia. Significant lymphopenia, but not leukopenia, occurred 3-7 d.p.i. Virus could be readily isolated from fecal matter 3-8 d.p.i.; a few dogs continued to shed virus for up to 12 days. In dogs challenged parenterally, the onset of elevated temperatures, viral shed and antibody production occurred 24-48 h sooner. Convalescent dogs were no longer contagious for susceptible contact animals 25 days or longer after challenge, although infectious virus persisted in feces for > 6 mo. at room temperature. Active giardiasis seemed to exacerbate the clinical syndrome, although treatment with corticosteroids or anti-thymocyte serum did not.

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