Clinical Symptoms of Canine Infectious Enteritis

Canine infectious enteritis, also known as canine parvovirus infection, is a highly contagious disease primarily affecting puppies, with a significantly high mortality rate. While vaccines are available and highly recommended for prevention, all breeds are susceptible, with purebreds and recently weaned puppies exhibiting higher infection rates. Kennel environments and home breeding setups lacking professional sanitation practices often experience recurring outbreaks, impacting entire litters or causing staggered infections among weaned puppies. The initial stages often present with subtle symptoms, frequently resulting in seemingly healthy puppies bought home showing signs of illness within a few days. In adult dogs, the virus can remain latent, causing intermittent shedding and transmission.

Clinical Manifestations: The clinical presentation of canine infectious enteritis varies depending on the severity and the affected systems. Two primary forms are recognized:

1. Myocarditis Form: This form is most common in puppies aged 1-2 months and is often characterized by subtle symptoms. Mild diarrhea or vomiting might be observed, but the disease frequently leads to sudden death due to heart failure. The rapid onset of cardiac complications often masks the gastrointestinal signs. This underscores the importance of early and aggressive veterinary intervention, even with minimal gastrointestinal symptoms in young puppies.

2. Enteritis Form: This form, typically affecting 2-4-month-old puppies, is more commonly recognized. The hallmark of this form is the severe gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms generally include:

Vomiting: Vomiting is a prominent early sign, often containing undigested food or bile. The frequency and severity can vary greatly.

Bloody Diarrhea: The hallmark symptom is hemorrhagic diarrhea. The consistency of the stool progresses from a yellowish-gray to a bloody, watery discharge resembling blood and water, or even a dark, tarry “coffee-ground” appearance due to digested blood.

Fever: A significant elevation in body temperature is observed, often reaching 41°C (105.8°F). This high fever indicates a severe systemic response to the infection.

Dehydration: Due to the profuse vomiting and diarrhea, severe dehydration rapidly ensues. This is clinically manifested by sunken eyes, decreased skin turgor (skin elasticity), and dry mucous membranes.

Lethargy and Weakness: Puppies suffering from canine infectious enteritis become lethargic, weak, and anorexic (loss of appetite). Their overall demeanor is depressed and subdued.

Abdominal Pain: Affected puppies often exhibit signs of abdominal pain, including a hunched posture and reluctance to move. Palpation of the abdomen can reveal tenderness and distention.

Secondary Infections: Due to the compromised immune system, secondary bacterial infections are common and can significantly worsen the prognosis. These secondary infections may present with additional symptoms like pneumonia or sepsis.

Progression of Symptoms: The disease progresses rapidly, and without prompt veterinary intervention, death can occur within a few days. The severity of the symptoms and the speed of progression are influenced by factors such as the puppy’s age, overall health, and the viral load encountered.

Differential Diagnosis: Differentiating canine infectious enteritis from other causes of vomiting and diarrhea requires careful clinical examination and diagnostic testing. Other potential causes include other viral infections (e.g., canine coronavirus), bacterial infections (e.g., salmonellosis), parasitic infestations, and ingestion of toxins.

Diagnostic Tests: A definitive diagnosis relies on laboratory confirmation. Methods include:

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): This blood test detects antibodies against canine parvovirus, indicating exposure to the virus.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): This highly sensitive test detects the viral DNA directly in fecal samples, providing a rapid and accurate diagnosis.

Fecal examination: Microscopic examination of fecal samples can help rule out other causes of gastrointestinal illness, such as parasites.

Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC often reveals leukopenia (low white blood cell count) characteristic of parvoviral infection.

Rapid diagnostic test strips: These readily available tests detect canine parvovirus antigens in fecal samples, offering a quick, albeit less sensitive, diagnostic option.

Treatment: Treatment is primarily supportive and focuses on combating dehydration, managing gastrointestinal symptoms, and preventing secondary infections. This involves intravenous fluid therapy to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, antiemetic medications to control vomiting, and antibiotics to address any bacterial infections. Supportive care includes nutritional support, pain management, and close monitoring of vital signs.

Prevention: The most effective way to prevent canine infectious enteritis is through vaccination. Puppies should receive a series of vaccinations starting at 6-8 weeks of age, with booster shots administered according to the veterinarian’s recommendations. Strict hygiene practices, such as thorough cleaning and disinfection of kennels and other areas where dogs are housed, can help minimize the risk of transmission. Maintaining a strong immune system in puppies through proper nutrition and good health care is also vital in preventing infection.

The severity of canine infectious enteritis underscores the critical importance of prompt veterinary attention, aggressive supportive care, and preventative vaccination. Early recognition of symptoms and timely intervention significantly improve the chances of survival, especially in young puppies.