Evaluation of the Efficacy of Blood Gases and Hemogram Parameters in the Diagnosis of non Neurogenic Distemper and Parvoviral Enteritis in Dogs with Acute Gastroenteritis

Abstract

Canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine distemper virus (CDV), which are seen mostly in dogs younger than 6 months (mos) old with high mortality despite early diagnosis and treatment, cause various hematological abnormalities and clinical symptoms accompanied by gastroenteritis findings. Since the methods developed for definitive ante-mortem diagnosis are time-consuming and require expertise and equipment, routine laboratory tests such as blood gases and hemogram analyzes still maintain their importance in the diagnosis and monitoring the complications associated with the viruses. The animal material of the study was consisted of a total of 50 dogs: 40 dogs (Experimental Group; 24 male, 16 female) aged between 2-6 mos, from medium to large breeds such as Anatolian shepherd, Boxer and mixed breed with gastroenteritis symptoms; 10 healthy dogs (Control Group; 8 male, 2 female) aged between 2-6 mos, from similar breeds. All were brought to the hospital either for diagnosis/treatment or for routine check-up. Based on the results of rapid antigen tests performed following the clinical and laboratory analyzes, the Experimental Group was divided into two subgroups: Canine Parvovirus Group (CPV Group, n=22) and Canine Distemper Virus Group (CDV Group, n=18). As a result of laboratory analyzes, differences in respiratory rate, capillary refill time and body temperature (P=0.000) in the clinical examinations; leukocyte (WBC) (P=0.003), granulocyte (P=0.000) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (P=0.001) levels in the hemogram; pH (P=0.001), lactate (P=0.004) and HCO3 (P=0.001) levels in the blood gases analysis were detected in the CPV and CDV groups. Based on the Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) evaluation of the parameters, which were determined to vary in the Experimental Group, it was concluded that low pH and HCO3 with high lactate levels in blood gases along with low WBC, granulocyte and high MCV levels in the hemogram may be useful parameters in establishing a routine laboratory test panel for diferentiation between CPV and CDV.

Parvoviral Enteritise Bağlı Septik veya Septik Olmayan Köpeklerde Hematolojik Durum

“…Furthermore, low Hb levels may result from reduced erythropoiesis due to direct damage by CPV to the bone marrow, and accumulation of toxic waste products during the viremia and febrile phase as well as the dog's previous poor health (18,20). Besides, the changes in these parameters may be associated with hypochromic anemia caused by proinflammatory cytokines and the disruption of the development of reticulocytes by converting iron into a less usable form (16). In the present study, the WBC, granulocyte, MCH, MCHC and Hb values of the CPE Group were lower (p<0.031) and the RDW value was higher (p<0.001) when compared to the Control Group.…”

“…In addition, in dogs younger than 3 week-old, the virus can also affect the myocardium (15). In addition, it has been reported that dogs less than 6 monthold, unvaccinated or given an inadequate/wrong vaccination program are susceptible to CPE (2,3,16). In the present study, the rate of sepsis development in dogs with CPE was determined as 46.29%.…”

“…Dehydration and hypovolemia resulting from fluid loss due to vomiting and diarrhea impair tissue perfusion, and thus mucous membrane color changes, tachycardia, and prolonged CRT can be observed (7). Therefore, findings such as dryness of mucous membranes, prolonged CRT and loss of skin elasticity in CPV infections are associated with a large amount of fluid and protein loss from the gastrointestinal tract (16). In the present study, it was determined that the RR, HR and body temperature values of CPE Group were higher (p<0.000) and the CRT value was lower (p<0.014) when compared to the Control Group.…”

“…Evaluation of clinical parameters such as CRT, heart and respiratory rate and hydration status along with routine laboratory tests such as hemogram provide important clinical information for diagnosis, differential diagnosis and monitoring the complications secondary to viral infection (15,16). Depending on the tropism of CPV, clinical and hemogram findings differ according to the affected cell type.…”

“…Depending on the tropism of CPV, clinical and hemogram findings differ according to the affected cell type. Immunosuppression may occur due to the death of myeloproliferative cells and thymic lymphocytosis (2,16). Mild to severe leukopenia has been reported in dogs with CPE (7).…”