Clinical evaluation of a single dose of immune plasma for treatment of canine parvovirus infection.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of administration of a single 12-mL dose of canine parvovirus (CPV)-immune plasma for treatment of CPV enteritis. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS: 14 dogs with naturally occurring CPV enteritis. PROCEDURES: Dogs were assigned to treatment groups on the basis of randomization tables and were administered a single i.v. dose of CPV-immune plasma (treatment group) or an equivalent volume of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (placebo group) within 18 hours after admission to the hospital. Treatment and outcome variables evaluated included neutrophil, monocyte, and CPV counts; number of days of hospitalization; changes in body weight; and cost of treatment. RESULTS: When dogs treated with CPV-immune plasma were compared with dogs treated with saline solution, there were no significant differences detected among neutrophil or monocyte counts, magnitude of viremia, weight change, number of days of hospitalization, or cost of treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of a single 12-mL dose of immune plasma soon after the onset of CPV enteritis in dogs was not effective in ameliorating clinical signs, reducing viremia, or hastening hematologic recovery.