Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Canine Parvoviral Enteritis in Kathmandu and Lalitpur Districts of Nepal

Abstract

Canine parvoviral enteritis (CPE) is a highly contagious disease in dogs, characterised by vomiting and diarrhoea. CPV primarily targets rapidly dividing cells in the intestinal crypts, resulting in severe gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. This study assessed the prevalence and associated risk factors of canine parvoviral enteritis in dogs. A total of 56 dogs diagnosed with canine parvoviral enteritis were included in the study—28 from the Central Referral Veterinary Hospital (CRVH), Kathmandu, and 28 from the Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Center (VHLSEC), Lalitpur. Diagnosis was made based on clinical history, clinical examination, and CPV antigen kit testing. Dogs were categorised according to breed, age group, clinical history, sexes and vaccination status. The findings showed the highest prevalence of canine parvoviral enteritis among local breeds (25%), and the lowest among Dobermanns (3.57%). By age group, the highest prevalence (75%) was observed in the 2–5 months age group, and the lowest (14.29%) in dogs older than 12 months. Clinical history included vomiting, haemorrhagic diarrhoea, non-haemorrhagic diarrhoea, and foul-smelling faeces, most frequently reported in the 2–5 months age group. In terms of sex, male dogs had a higher prevalence (37.30%) compared to females (27.14%). Unvaccinated dogs exhibited a significantly higher prevalence (82.14%) compared to vaccinated dogs (17.86%). In conclusion, although dogs of all age group, breeds, and sexes are susceptible to CPV infection, puppies are more commonly affected. Due to the short duration of the study, the sample size was limited. Further studies are recommended to better understand the disease's transmission dynamics and to improve prevention and management strategies.