Clinical and hematological prognostic factors in dogs with parvoviral enteritis and sepsis

Parvoviral enteritis is a common viral infection in dogs and is associated with many clinical and hematological changes. Bacterial translocation is a common complication and may result in sepsis. The objective of this study is to determine the presence of clinical and hematological factors associated with the risk of death in puppies with naturally occurring parvoviral enteritis and sepsis. Twenty-four dogs with parvoviral enteritis confirmed by chromatographic immunoassay during the clinical routine of a university veterinary hospital were selected. At admission and every 24 hours until the third day of hospitalization or until death, venous blood samples were collected for complete blood count, renal and hepatic biochemistry, and lactate and magnesium measurement; arterial blood samples were collected for gas analysis. Sodium, potassium, and ionized calcium were also analyzed, and a complete physical examination was performed. The factors associated with mortality were evaluated by Cox univariate analysis at a level of significance of 5%. The increase in urea and heart rate was associated with an increase in the risk of death. In contrast, an increase in total leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, partial pressure of oxygen, base deficit, bicarbonate ion, and oxygen saturation were associated with a reduction in the risk of death.