Pathomorphological changes of the stomach and intestinum crassum in the intestinal form of parvoviral enteritis in dogs

Abstract

Based on the analysis of literature sources, monitoring results and our own research, it has been established that viral enteritis occupies a leading place in the infectious pathology of dogs and causes significant damage to animal owners. Viral enteritis, most commonly caused by parvovirus, causes severe gastrointestinal disorders and is one of the most common causes of infectious diarrhea in dogs under 6 months of age. Therefore, given the relevance of this issue, the result of our study is to clarify, supplement and summarize data on the pathomorphological features of the intestinal form of parvovirus infection in dogs. Diagnostic studies to confirm parvovirus enteritis were performed using VetExpert CPV Ag or CPV/CCV Ag rapid tests, as well as by ELISA and PCR. Dissection of dead animals was performed in the conventional sequence. For pathomorphological examination, samples were taken from the gastrointestinal tract, fixed in 10 % neutral formalin solution, followed by dehydration in alcohols of increasing concentration and the procedure of organ compaction according to the generally accepted method. Histological sections 6–10 μm thick were obtained using a microtome. The article presents the results of pathological changes in dogs with parvovirus enteritis, namely macroscopically under the serous membrane of the stomach revealed striped hemorrhages, duodeno-gastric reflux, manifested by gray-green color of the mucous membrane (bile accumulation). Histological methods have shown that the blood vessels of the submucosal base of the mucous membrane are clearly dilated, filled with blood. The mucous membrane is swollen, unevenly colored in all parts of the stomach. In the muscular membrane of the stomach wall, the vast majority of cells were in a state of granular dystrophy, and in some animals, necrotic changes in smooth muscle tissue were recorded. Histochemical studies revealed the development of microscopic changes that indicated hypersecretion of mucus (acidic proteins) in the stomach of sick dogs. No specific macroscopic changes in the colon were recorded. Microscopically, a small amount of cellular detritus with mucus fragments, goblet cell hyperplasia, and a reaction of epithelial cells that were in a state of granular, less often, hydropic dystrophy were recorded on the lumen of the colon on the mucosal surface.