Comparative Pathophysiology of Canine Parvovirus-2 Variants in Naturally Infected Dogs

Abstract

Canine Parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) is a highly lethal virus that affects the canid family. It targets rapidly dividing cells in organs such as the intestines, thymus, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and heart, often resulting in multi-organ failure.This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CPV-2 variants on clinico-physiological, haematological and biochemical parameters in dogs. Two hundred faecal and  blood samples from symptomatic dogs, along with 10 healthy controls, were collected at VCC, PGIVER, Jaipur, from July 2024 to December 2024. PCR identified 166 CPV-2 positive cases, comprising 147 CPV-2a, 141 CPV-2b and 115 CPV-2c cases. A random selection of 52 CPV-2a, 52 CPV-2b, and 44 CPV-2c cases was made for further analysis. Clinical examination showed significantly elevated heart and respiration rates in CPV-2b and CPV-2c groups. Haematological analysis revealed reduced haemoglobin, PCV and TEC across all CPV-2 variants, with CPV-2b and CPV-2c showing the highest neutrophil counts and lowest lymphocyte percentages. Eosinophil and basophil counts were elevated in infected groups. Biochemical analysis showed significantly reduced serum total protein and albumin, with CPV-2c having the lowest values. Elevated AST and ALP levels indicated hepatic damage, while decreased creatinine in CPV-2c suggested possible renal impairment. These findings highlight the distinct pathophysiological impacts of CPV-2 variants and their clinical relevance in diagnosis and disease management.