Clinical factors, service type, and clinical outcomes associated with canine parvovirus in dogs presented at the KNUST Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana

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Canine parvovirus (CPV) continues to be a predominant cause of morbidity and mortality among dogs worldwide. In Ghana, data on clinical predictors, service type (inpatient or outpatient), and clinical outcomes in dogs afflicted by CPV is limited. This cross-sectional study, conducted at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, assessed the clinical factors associated with CPV diagnosis, service delivery types, and clinical outcomes in dogs. Diagnosis was based on compatible clinical signs and results from a Vcheck CPV antigen test kit with the V200 analyser (Bionote Inc., Korea), with dogs classified as CPV-positive or CPV-negative based on test results. Demographics, vaccination status, clinical signs, service type, and outcome data were recorded. Odds ratios were reported with 95% confidence intervals, and a significance threshold of p < 0.05 was set for regression analyses. A total of 129 CPV-positive dogs were diagnosed, with an overall mortality rate of 26.4% (34/129), compared to 8.5% (7/82) among CPV-negative dogs. Haemorrhagic diarrhoea (OR = 6.84), vomiting (OR = 2.75), lower body weight (OR = 0.94 per kg increase), and complete loss of appetite (OR = 4.29) were significant independent predictors of CPV infection. CPV-positive dogs were significantly more likely to require inpatient care than CPV-negative dogs (OR = 7.57, p < 0.001). CPV has a significant impact on dog morbidity and mortality in Ghana, with important emotional and financial consequences for affected dog owners. Classic gastrointestinal signs may assist in the clinical assessment of suspected cases in practice. CPV-positive dogs had higher inpatient care rates and mortality compared to CPV-negative dogs. These findings emphasise the need for improved vaccination uptake, client education, and clinical management practices to reduce CPV-related mortality in affected populations. Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a serious and highly contagious infection that mainly affects young and unvaccinated dogs. It spreads easily between dogs, and without prompt treatment, it can be fatal. Although a vaccine exists, CPV still causes death in many dogs across the world, including in Ghana, where limited data on the most common presenting symptoms, how affected patients are treated, and the outcome of cases has been published. This study was carried out at a university veterinary hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Dogs brought in with signs similar to CPV were tested using a rapid diagnostic kit. Information, including age, breed, sex, vaccination history, symptoms, type of care received, and outcomes, was recorded. In total, 211 dogs were included. Of these, 129 tested positive, while 82 tested negative for CPV. The study found that dogs with bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, complete loss of appetite, and low body weight were most likely to test positive for CPV. These clinical signs may help veterinarians and dog owners recognise suspected CPV cases earlier, particularly in settings where diagnostic testing may not always be readily available. Furthermore, dogs that tested positive were nearly eight times more likely to require hospital admission compared to those that tested negative, showing the severe nature of the disease. Notably, the death rate among CPV-positive dogs was 26.4%. These findings highlight the ongoing toll CPV takes on dogs and their owners in Ghana. Better vaccination coverage, early recognition of warning signs, and improved access to veterinary care are key to reducing preventable deaths from this disease.

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