Canine parvovirus infection in Kenya

Abstract

The clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment and pathology of 75 cases of canine parvovirus infection in Kenya are reviewed. All breeds and ages were affected but the disease was severer in young animals. Initial depression, anorexia and pyrexia were followed by vomiting and diarrhoea, resulting in extreme dehydration. Although some cases died within two days of onset of illness, most recovered after treatment: restriction of oral intake, fluid replacement and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Blood samples showed a normal to decreased leukcotye count; severe leukopenia warranting a guarded prognosis. In later stages of the disease there was a leukocytosis with an increased number of immature leukocytes. Dogs vaccinated before disease onset showed mild clinical signs and recovered after treatment. Blood samples from these dogs showed leukopenia.