NAVLE Gastrointestinal and Digestive

Canine Parvovirus Study Guide

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is one of the most common and devastating infectious diseases affecting dogs worldwide. First identified in the late 1970s, CPV remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in puppies despite highly effective vaccines.

Overview and Clinical Importance

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is one of the most common and devastating infectious diseases affecting dogs worldwide. First identified in the late 1970s, CPV remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in puppies despite highly effective vaccines. The disease is characterized by severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, profound leukopenia, and potentially fatal dehydration.

CPV-2 emerged as a host variant of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) and rapidly spread worldwide. The virus has evolved into three antigenic variants: CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c, all causing clinically indistinguishable disease and covered by current vaccines.

Variant Emergence Clinical Significance
CPV-2 (Original) Late 1970s No longer circulating; replaced by variants
CPV-2a 1979-1980 Broader host range; can infect cats
CPV-2b 1984 Most common in many regions; vaccine strain
CPV-2c 2000 (Italy) Glu-426 mutation; worldwide distribution

Etiology

Virus Characteristics

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) belongs to the family Parvoviridae, genus Protoparvovirus. Key characteristics:

You've been studying hard

Create a free account to keep reading

Free accounts get 5 articles/day + daily practice question

Join 14,000+ vet students already studying with NavleExam.

No credit card needed — free account takes 30 seconds.

Create Free Account — Keep Reading Already have an account? Log in
or skip signup — just get daily questions

No spam. One question per day. Unsubscribe anytime.

NAVLE Exam Prep Platform

Everything you need to pass the NAVLE

10,000+ Practice Questions
Exam-style with full explanations
Past Exam Papers
Real previous exam questions
Flashcard Mode
Species & topic quick review
High-Yield Study Guides
What's actually on the exam
Start Free Trial → See Plans & Pricing No credit card required to start