Fatal Canine Parvoviral Enteritis Associated with Neutrophilia Rather Than Classical Leukopenia in a Juvenile German Shepherd Puppy

Abubakar Abdulrauf Hassan; Muhammad Jimoh; Shamsuddeen Muhammad; Peter Charles Mshelia; Ahmad Muhammad Bako; Ibrahim Abubakar Ali; Nathaniel Jude Govo; Muhammad Salisu Abubakar

doi:doi:10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12

Case Report |

| Peer-Reviewed

Fatal Canine Parvoviral Enteritis Associated with Neutrophilia Rather Than Classical Leukopenia in a Juvenile German Shepherd Puppy

Abubakar Abdulrauf Hassan^*

, Muhammad Jimoh, Shamsuddeen Muhammad, Peter Charles Mshelia, Ahmad Muhammad Bako, Ibrahim Abubakar Ali, Nathaniel Jude Govo, Muhammad Salisu Abubakar

Published in Animal and Veterinary Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 5)

Received: 23 August 2026 Accepted: 4 September 2026 Published: 24 September 2026

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Canine parvovirus enteritis (CPVE) remains a highly contagious and frequently fatal viral disease affecting young dogs globally. This case report describes the clinical progression and postmortem findings of CPVE in a 7-week-old male German Shepherd puppy presented to the D.I.K Osori Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. The patient presented with a two-day history of anorexia, vomiting, and foul-smelling diarrhea after being housed with a dog that had recently recovered from CPVE. Clinical examination revealed 5% dehydration, tachycardia, and tachypnea. A rapid fecal antigen test confirmed CPVE. Hematological analysis revealed normocytic normochromic anemia with moderate neutrophilia, suggesting an acute inflammatory response associated with severe intestinal injury and highlighting an atypical neutrophilic hematological response in CPVE. Despite aggressive fluid resuscitation with Ringer's Lactate and dual antimicrobial intervention, the patient succumbed to the infection three days post-admission. Gross necropsy revealed severe, diffuse mucohemorrhagic enteritis with a characteristic "ground-glass" serosal appearance, mesenteric lymphadenomegaly, and diffuse pulmonary congestion and edema. Histopathological evaluation confirmed severe lymphoid depletion in the mesenteric lymph nodes and proteinaceous alveolar exudates in the lungs. The combined clinical and pathological findings were consistent with severe systemic circulatory and inflammatory disturbances preceding death, highlighting the importance of recognizing atypical hematological presentations in CPVE.

Published in	Animal and Veterinary Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 5)
DOI	10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12
Page(s)	137-143
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Canine Parvovirus, Clinicopathology, Neutrophilia, Necropsy, Histopathology, Puppy

1. Introduction

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is a highly contagious and frequently fatal viral disease of young dogs, particularly puppies between six weeks and six months of age

[1, 11, 15]

. The virus belongs to the family Parvoviridae and primarily affects rapidly dividing cells, especially intestinal crypt epithelial cells, lymphoid tissues, and bone marrow progenitor cells

[2, 3, 14]

. Infection commonly results in severe hemorrhagic enteritis, dehydration, immunosuppression, and, in severe cases, death.

Transmission occurs mainly through the fecal-oral route either by direct contact with infected dogs or indirectly through contaminated fomites and environments

[3]

. The virus is highly resistant in the environment and may remain infectious for prolonged periods

[2]

. Following infection, viral replication within intestinal crypts results in destruction of the intestinal mucosa, villous collapse, and loss of mucosal integrity, thereby predisposing affected animals to secondary bacterial invasion and systemic inflammatory complications.

Clinical manifestations commonly include anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, foul-smelling hemorrhagic diarrhea, dehydration, and varying degrees of leukopenia

[1]

. Hematological findings classically include panleukopenia, particularly neutropenia and lymphopenia, resulting from viral destruction of bone marrow progenitor cells

[4]

. However, atypical hematological presentations characterized by normal or elevated leukocyte counts have occasionally been reported in severe inflammatory CPVE cases.

This report describes the clinical presentation, hematological findings, necropsy lesions, and histopathological changes observed in a fatal case of CPVE in a juvenile German Shepherd puppy presented to the D.I.K Osori Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.

2. Case Presentation

2.1. History and Signalment

On Wednesday 25th of February 2026, a client from the Arkilla area of Sokoto, Sokoto State of Nigeria, presented a 7-week-old male German Shepherd dog weighing 6.2 kg at the Small Animal unit of the D.I.K Osori Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The patient presented with complaints of being off feed, vomiting, and diarrhea, all noticed two days prior to presentation. Epidemiological history revealed that the dog was recently purchased and transported from Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Upon arrival in Sokoto State, it was housed in the same confinement as another resident dog that had recovered from Canine Parvovirus Enteritis (CPVE) two weeks earlier. The patient was fed a diet of fish, meat, and table remnants. The client claimed the dog received its first shot of the DHLPP vaccine while in Jos; however, the vaccination record (green book) was misplaced by the client. There was no history of prior medication before clinical presentation.

2.2. Physical Examination and Clinical Findings

Upon initial physical examination, the patient was dull, lethargic, and actively passing profuse foul-smelling diarrhea. The ocular and oral mucous membranes were slightly pale, with a capillary refill time (CRT) of less than 2 seconds. The patient weighed 6.2 kg and was assessed to have a 5% dehydration deficit. The body condition score was determined to be 3 on a scale of 1 to 5. Vital parameters revealed marked tachycardia and tachypnea, while the rectal core body temperature remained within normal reference limits. The exact vital parameter configurations compared against established standards are structured in Table 1.

Table 1. Vital Parameters of the Patient vs. Canine Reference Ranges.

Parameter	Patient Value	Reference Range
Temperature (°C)	38.9	38.3 - 39.2
Pulse Rate (beats/min)	139	70 – 120
Respiratory Rate (cycles/min)	80	18 – 34

Reference values sourced from Kahn et al.,

[7]

Based on these combined clinical inputs, a comprehensive problem list was compiled: dullness, dehydration, emesis, anorexia, foul-smelling diarrhea, tachycardia, and tachypnea. Differential diagnoses focused on Canine Parvovirus Enteritis and Canine Distemper, with a strong tentative diagnosis directed toward CPVE based on exposure history.

2.3. Diagnostic Plan and Laboratory Profiling

The diagnostic plan included hospitalization, fluid stabilization, rapid fecal antigen testing, complete blood count (CBC), and routine hemoparasite screening.

The fecal sample tested positive for Canine Parvovirus using a rapid ELISA-based antigen test kit. Blood collected via jugular venipuncture into EDTA tubes was submitted for complete blood count (CBC). Hematological evaluation revealed moderate neutrophilia (14.3x10⁹/L) with a total leukocyte count near the upper reference limit (17.0 x10⁹/L). Manual peripheral blood smear evaluation for band neutrophils or toxic morphologic changes was not performed. The definitive hematological profile is outlined in Table 2.

Table 2. Hematological Profile of the CPV-Infected Puppy.

PARAMETERS	OBTAINED VALUES	REFERENCE VALUES	CLINICAL INTERPRETATION
PCV (L/L)	0.33*	0.35-0.57	Decreased (Anemia)
HB (g/L)	110*	120-200	Decreased
RBC (x10¹²/L)	4.38*	5.4-8.5	Decreased
MCV (fL)	70	60-77	Normocytic
MCH (pg)	23.4	19-24	Normochromic
MCHC (g/dl)	333	330-360	Normochromic
WBC (X10⁹/L)	17.0	6-18	Normal (Upper Limit)
Neutrophils (x10⁹/L)	14.3*	3-12	Increased (Neutrophilia)
Lymphocytes (x10⁹/L)	2.4	1-5	Normal
Monocyte (x10⁹/L)	0.17*	0.2-1.5	Decreased (Monocytopenia)
Eosinophils (x10⁹/L)	0.17	0.1-0.8	Normal
Basophils (X 10⁹/L)	0	Rare	Normal

Source: Adapted from MSD Veterinary Manual, Hematology (Complete Blood Count

[8]

Following confirmation of CPVE by rapid antigen testing, hematological evaluation revealed moderate neutrophilia despite the confirmed viral infection, representing an atypical leukogram compared with the classical leukopenic presentation. No hemoparasites were detected on Giemsa-stained blood smears.

2.4. Therapeutic Management and Clinical Progression

Therapy was aimed at correcting dehydration, controlling vomiting, and minimizing secondary bacterial complications associated with intestinal mucosal damage.

Fluid Therapy: Intravenous Ringer’s Lactate solution was administered to correct dehydration and fluid loss. Based on a body weight of 6.2 kg and 5% dehydration, the fluid deficit was calculated as:

Fluid Deficit = % De h ydration \times Body Weig h t \times 1000 / 100

An initial replacement volume of 310 mL was administered intravenously.

Antimicrobial Therapy: Long-acting 15% Amoxicillin at 15 mg/kg IM and Ceftriaxone 10% at 30 mg/kg IV were administered to minimize the risk of secondary bacterial complications associated with intestinal mucosal disruption.

Antiemetic Therapy: Metoclopramide 0.5% was administered IV at 0.5 mg/kg to control vomiting.

Supportive Therapy: injectable Vitamin B-complex was administered IM at 1 mL/10 kg for three days.

Despite supportive and antimicrobial therapy, the patient’s clinical condition progressively deteriorated, and death was recorded on February 28, 2026. The carcass was subsequently submitted for necropsy and histopathological evaluation, as detailed in the clinical timeline in Table 3.

Table 3. Patient Clinical Progress.

Date	Temperature (°C)	Pulse rate (beats/min)	Respiratory rate (cycles/min)	Remarks
26/02/2026	39.2	134	84	The patient was weak, vomiting and passing foul smelling diarrhoea. Fluid and Medications were administered.
27/02/2026	39.9	139	100	The patient condition had not improved vomiting and diarrhoea had continued. Fluid and Medications were administered.
28/02/2026				The patient died and the carcass was submitted to Necropsy/Histopathology unit for Postmortem examination.

3. Pathological Findings

3.1. Gross Pathology

Postmortem examination was conducted immediately after death on February 28, 2026. External evaluation revealed a carcass in poor-to-moderately poor body condition with sunken eyes and a rough hair coat, consistent with severe dehydration. Foul-smelling, dark red mucohemorrhagic feces heavily stained the perineal region and hindquarters.

Upon opening the abdominal cavity, the small intestinal segments particularly the duodenum and jejunum were severely congested, dark red, and dilated by abundant liquid hemorrhagic contents. The intestinal serosal surface exhibited a classic, dull "ground-glass" appearance. The underlying intestinal mucosa was diffusely thickened, hyperemic, and displayed multifocal regions of severe hemorrhage. The mesenteric lymph nodes were markedly enlarged and deeply congested. The gallbladder was severely distended with stagnant bile. Upon exposing the thoracic cavity, the lungs were diffusely congested and edematous, exhibiting a patchy dark-red mottling across all lobes. The tracheal lumen was filled with abundant, white frothy fluid exudate. The kidneys were moderately congested with rounded margins.

Download: Download full-size image

Figure 1. Gross pathological findings of the abdominal and thoracic cavities. Label A (Trachea): Arrows point to the trachea lumen containing abundant fluid exudate. Label B (Lungs): Demonstrates diffuse pulmonary congestion, dark-red patchy hepatization, and frothy exudate at the bronchial bifurcations. Label C (Kidney): Moderately congested kidneys with rounded margins. Label D (Small Intestine): Demonstrates the intense diffuse mucosal hyperemia and the classic granular "ground-glass" texture of the serosal surface.

3.2. Histopathology

Histopathological examination of selected tissues further characterized the systemic lesions observed during necropsy. Microscopically, the lungs showed severe diffuse pulmonary edema characterized by thickening of the alveolar septa, accumulation of proteinaceous fluid within alveolar spaces, vascular congestion, fibrin deposition, inflammatory cellular infiltration, and multifocal hemorrhages (Figure 2A). Sections of the mesenteric lymph nodes revealed marked lymphoid depletion with congestion of blood vessels and replacement of depleted lymphoid tissue by adipose tissue, consistent with severe lymphoid depletion (Figure 2B). Histopathological evaluation of the small intestine also demonstrated acute, severe mucosal disruption accompanied by marked submucosal vascular changes. Within the mucosal layer, there was extensive epithelial necrosis, prominent villous blunting, and widespread sloughing of necrotic cells into the intestinal lumen. Furthermore, the submucosa was markedly expanded by severe edema and contained engorged, hyperemic blood vessels densely packed with erythrocytes (Figure 2C).

Download: Download full-size image

Figure 2. Histopathological changes in the lungs and lymphoid organs (H&E Stain, X100 magnification). Label A (Lungs): Arrows point to dense sheets of proteinaceous fluid completely obliterating the alveolar airspaces, paired with marked alveolar septal thickening, vascular congestion, and multifocal hemorrhages. Label B (Mesenteric Lymph Node): Highlights advanced lymphoid depletion within the germinal centers and the replacement of normal architecture by infiltrating adipose tissue cells. Lebel C (Intestine): Shows mucosal layer demonstrating epithelial necrosis, villous blunting, and sloughing into the lumen, alongside marked expansion of the submucosa secondary to severe edema and severely engorged, congested submucosal blood vessels densely packed with erythrocytes.

3.3. Morphological Diagnosis

1) Severe, acute, diffuse necrotic enteritis with villous blunting, sloughing, severe submucosal edema, and marked submucosal vascular congestion.

2) Marked mesenteric lymphoid depletion with congestion.

3) Severe, diffuse pulmonary congestion and alveolar edema.

4) Moderate acute renal congestion with mild tubular degeneration.

5) Marked gallbladder distension consistent with prolonged anorexia.

4. Discussion

The clinical history, laboratory findings, gross lesions, and histopathological changes observed in this case were consistent with fatal Canine Parvovirus Enteritis (CPVE). The recent transportation of the puppy and exposure to an environment previously occupied by a recovering CPVE case likely increased the risk of infection, as CPV-2 is highly resistant in contaminated environments and may remain infectious for prolonged periods

[2, 3, 13]

A notable feature of this case was the absence of classical leukopenia. Instead, the patient exhibited moderate neutrophilia with a total leukocyte count near the upper reference limit. Classical hematological findings in CPVE commonly include leukopenia, neutropenia, and lymphopenia due to viral destruction of rapidly dividing hematopoietic precursor cells within the bone marrow

[4, 5, 10, 12]

. In contrast, the neutrophilic leukogram observed in this case may reflect an intense inflammatory response associated with extensive intestinal mucosal injury Although manual blood smear evaluation for band neutrophils or toxic morphologic changes was not performed, the clinical presentation; characterized by pyrexia, severe necrohemorrhagic diarrhea, tachycardia, and rapid systemic collapse strongly indicates an acute systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and endotoxemia rather than a stress leukogram

[12]

. Translocation of enteric bacteria across the disrupted intestinal mucosa triggers systemic cytokine release, driving acute neutrophilic release from the bone marrow storage pool

[10]

. This atypical hematological presentation highlights the variability that may occur in advanced CPVE cases and suggests that the absence of leukopenia should not exclude CPVE from differential diagnosis in clinically compatible cases.

The severe mucohemorrhagic enteritis observed grossly and microscopically reflected destruction of intestinal crypt epithelial cells by the virus, resulting in villous collapse, mucosal hemorrhage, and loss of intestinal integrity

[2, 6, 9, 16]

. These lesions likely contributed to the profuse hemorrhagic diarrhea, dehydration, and rapid clinical deterioration observed before death.

Marked lymphoid depletion within the mesenteric lymph nodes supports the tropism of CPV-2 for rapidly dividing lymphoid cells and is consistent with severe immunosuppression

[4]

. The pulmonary congestion and edema observed in this case may have been associated with severe systemic inflammatory and circulatory disturbances secondary to intestinal injury.

The distended gallbladder observed at necropsy was likely associated with prolonged anorexia and reduced gastrointestinal motility, which have been reported in severe systemic illnesses associated with CPVE

[1]

. Taken together, the clinical progression, hematological abnormalities, necropsy findings, and histopathological lesions support the possibility that severe inflammatory responses in advanced CPVE may occasionally mask the classical leukopenic presentation.

5. Conclusion

This report describes a fatal case of Canine Parvovirus Enteritis (CPVE) in a juvenile German Shepherd puppy characterized by severe mucohemorrhagic enteritis, marked lymphoid depletion, pulmonary edema, and an atypical hematological presentation marked by neutrophilia rather than the classical leukopenia commonly associated with the disease.

The case highlights that CPVE may occasionally present with atypical hematological findings characterized by neutrophilia and near-normal leukocyte counts rather than classical leukopenia, particularly in severe inflammatory states associated with extensive intestinal damage. It underscores the importance of integrating clinical, hematological, necropsy, and histopathological findings during evaluation, particularly when blood parameters deviate from the typical presentation. Furthermore, this case illustrates that an atypical leukogram should not exclude CPVE as a differential diagnosis. Limitations of this report include the absence of a manual peripheral blood smear evaluation to quantify band neutrophils and toxic leukocyte changes, as well as the lack of microbiological culture to identify specific secondary translocating bacterial pathogens.

Abbreviations

CBC	Complete Blood Count
CPV-2	Canine Parvovirus Type 2
CPVE	Canine Parvovirus Enteritis
CRT	Capillary Refill Time
H&E	Hematoxylin and Eosin
PCV	Packed Cell Volume

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the clinical and technical staff of the D. I. K Osori Veterinary Teaching Hospital and the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, for their technical assistance during clinical management and postmortem procedures.

Author Contributions

Abubakar Abdulrauf Hassan: Conceptualization, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Writing – original draft

Muhammad Jimoh: Investigation

Shamsuddeen Muhammad: Data curation, Investigation

Peter Charles Mshelia: Project administration, Supervision

Ahmad Muhammad Bako: Investigation, Resources

Ibrahim Abubakar Ali: Investigation, Resources

Nathaniel Jude Govo: Investigation, Resources

Muhammad Salisu Abubakar: Supervision, Validation, Writing – review & editing

Data Availability Statement

The data supporting the outcome of this research work has been reported in this manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Behera, S. K., Singh, Y. D., Roychoudhury, P. Clinico-pathological and necropsy findings in a 4-month old mixed-breed pup with canine parvovirus-2 infection and its genetic characterization. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies. 2020, 8(5), 573-577.
[2]	Nivy, R., Hahn, S., Perl, S., et al. A Fatal Outbreak of Parvovirus Infection: First Detection of Canine Parvovirus Type 2c in Israel with Secondary Escherichia coli Septicemia and Meningoencephalitis. Israel Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 2011, 66(3), 96-101.
[3]	Odueko, F. D. Literature review on canine parvoviral enteritis variants in Nigeria. Journal of Dairy, Veterinary & Animal Research. 2020, 9(1), 26-32. https://doi.org/10.15406/jdvar.2020.09.00274
[4]	Thilahayswari, J., Nagarajan, K., Hemalatha, S., Chandrasekar, M. Canine Parvovirus-2a infection in a juvenile pup: Bone marrow findings and clinical implications. Indian Journal of Veterinary Pathology. 2026, 50(1), 36-39. https://doi.org/10.56093/cr49qj17
[5]	Li, H., Li, S., Pan, Y., Shi, Q. Decoding canine parvovirus: biomarkers for diagnosis and advances in vaccine development to address emerging challenges. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2025, 12, 1624275. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1624275
[6]	Tangolli, A. A., Kumar, G. K. C., Shankar, B. P. Post mortem and histopathological changes in puppies died with canine parvoviral infection. International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry. 2024, 9(6), 354-359. https://doi.org/10.22271/chemi.2024.v9.i6e.354
[7]	Kahn, C. M., Line, S., Aiello, S. E. The Merck Veterinary Manual. 9th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc.; 2005, pp. 1-2300.
[8]	Fielder, S. E. Hematology (Complete Blood Count) Reference Ranges. In MSD Veterinary Manual. Rahway, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc.; 2024. Available from: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/ [Accessed 29 May 2026].
[9]	Sinani, A., Kusi, I. Pathologic Findings in Dogs Died of CPV-2 in Kosovo. Albanian Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 2016, 15(3), 154-159.
[10]	Goddard, A., Leisewitz, A. L., Christopher, M. M., Duncan, N. M., Becker, P. J. Prognostic usefulness of blood leukocyte changes in canine parvoviral enteritis. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2008, 22(2), 309-316. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2008.0062.x
[11]	Decaro, N., Buonavoglia, C. Canine parvovirus—A review of epidemiological and diagnostic aspects. The Veterinary Journal. 2012, 192(1), 21-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.08.025
[12]	Schoeman, J. P., Goddard, A., Leisewitz, A. L. Biomarkers in canine parvovirus enteritis. New Zealand Veterinary Journal. 2013, 61(4), 217-222. https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2013.776451
[13]	Kalli, I., Leontides, L. S., Mylonakis, M. E., Billinis, C., Kontos, V., Koutinas, A. F. Factors associated with survival in dogs with natural canine parvovirus type 2 infection. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2010, 24(4), 885-891. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0538.x
[14]	Stuetzer, B., Hartmann, K. Feline parvovirus infection and associated diseases. The Veterinary Journal. 2014, 201(2), 150-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.05.027
[15]	Miranda, C., Thompson, G. Canine parvovirus: the constant evolution of a point mutant virus. Veterinary Research. 2016, 47(1), 110. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13567-016-0394-4
[16]	Mazzaferro, E. M. Update on Canine Parvovirus. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2020, 50(6), 1339-1349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.07.008

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Hassan, A. A., Jimoh, M., Muhammad, S., Mshelia, P. C., Bako, A. M., et al. (2026). Fatal Canine Parvoviral Enteritis Associated with Neutrophilia Rather Than Classical Leukopenia in a Juvenile German Shepherd Puppy. Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 14(5), 137-143. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Hassan, A. A.; Jimoh, M.; Muhammad, S.; Mshelia, P. C.; Bako, A. M., et al. Fatal Canine Parvoviral Enteritis Associated with Neutrophilia Rather Than Classical Leukopenia in a Juvenile German Shepherd Puppy. Anim. Vet. Sci. 2026, 14(5), 137-143. doi: 10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Hassan AA, Jimoh M, Muhammad S, Mshelia PC, Bako AM, et al. Fatal Canine Parvoviral Enteritis Associated with Neutrophilia Rather Than Classical Leukopenia in a Juvenile German Shepherd Puppy. Anim Vet Sci. 2026;14(5):137-143. doi: 10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12,
  author = {Abubakar Abdulrauf Hassan and Muhammad Jimoh and Shamsuddeen Muhammad and Peter Charles Mshelia and Ahmad Muhammad Bako and Ibrahim Abubakar Ali and Nathaniel Jude Govo and Muhammad Salisu Abubakar},
  title = {Fatal Canine Parvoviral Enteritis Associated with Neutrophilia Rather Than Classical Leukopenia in a Juvenile German Shepherd Puppy},
  journal = {Animal and Veterinary Sciences},
  volume = {14},
  number = {5},
  pages = {137-143},
  doi = {10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.avs.20261405.12},
  abstract = {Canine parvovirus enteritis (CPVE) remains a highly contagious and frequently fatal viral disease affecting young dogs globally. This case report describes the clinical progression and postmortem findings of CPVE in a 7-week-old male German Shepherd puppy presented to the D.I.K Osori Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. The patient presented with a two-day history of anorexia, vomiting, and foul-smelling diarrhea after being housed with a dog that had recently recovered from CPVE. Clinical examination revealed 5% dehydration, tachycardia, and tachypnea. A rapid fecal antigen test confirmed CPVE. Hematological analysis revealed normocytic normochromic anemia with moderate neutrophilia, suggesting an acute inflammatory response associated with severe intestinal injury and highlighting an atypical neutrophilic hematological response in CPVE. Despite aggressive fluid resuscitation with Ringer's Lactate and dual antimicrobial intervention, the patient succumbed to the infection three days post-admission. Gross necropsy revealed severe, diffuse mucohemorrhagic enteritis with a characteristic "ground-glass" serosal appearance, mesenteric lymphadenomegaly, and diffuse pulmonary congestion and edema. Histopathological evaluation confirmed severe lymphoid depletion in the mesenteric lymph nodes and proteinaceous alveolar exudates in the lungs. The combined clinical and pathological findings were consistent with severe systemic circulatory and inflammatory disturbances preceding death, highlighting the importance of recognizing atypical hematological presentations in CPVE.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Fatal Canine Parvoviral Enteritis Associated with Neutrophilia Rather Than Classical Leukopenia in a Juvenile German Shepherd Puppy
AU  - Abubakar Abdulrauf Hassan
AU  - Muhammad Jimoh
AU  - Shamsuddeen Muhammad
AU  - Peter Charles Mshelia
AU  - Ahmad Muhammad Bako
AU  - Ibrahim Abubakar Ali
AU  - Nathaniel Jude Govo
AU  - Muhammad Salisu Abubakar
Y1  - 2026/09/24
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12
T2  - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
JF  - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
JO  - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
SP  - 137
EP  - 143
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5850
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12
AB  - Canine parvovirus enteritis (CPVE) remains a highly contagious and frequently fatal viral disease affecting young dogs globally. This case report describes the clinical progression and postmortem findings of CPVE in a 7-week-old male German Shepherd puppy presented to the D.I.K Osori Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. The patient presented with a two-day history of anorexia, vomiting, and foul-smelling diarrhea after being housed with a dog that had recently recovered from CPVE. Clinical examination revealed 5% dehydration, tachycardia, and tachypnea. A rapid fecal antigen test confirmed CPVE. Hematological analysis revealed normocytic normochromic anemia with moderate neutrophilia, suggesting an acute inflammatory response associated with severe intestinal injury and highlighting an atypical neutrophilic hematological response in CPVE. Despite aggressive fluid resuscitation with Ringer's Lactate and dual antimicrobial intervention, the patient succumbed to the infection three days post-admission. Gross necropsy revealed severe, diffuse mucohemorrhagic enteritis with a characteristic "ground-glass" serosal appearance, mesenteric lymphadenomegaly, and diffuse pulmonary congestion and edema. Histopathological evaluation confirmed severe lymphoid depletion in the mesenteric lymph nodes and proteinaceous alveolar exudates in the lungs. The combined clinical and pathological findings were consistent with severe systemic circulatory and inflammatory disturbances preceding death, highlighting the importance of recognizing atypical hematological presentations in CPVE.
VL  - 14
IS  - 5
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Abubakar Abdulrauf Hassan

Department of Veterinary Pathology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

Biography: Abubakar Abdulrauf Hassan is a Lecturer and Veterinary Pathologist in the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, graduating as the best graduating student of the 2023/2024 academic session. His primary research interests and clinical expertise focus on diagnostic pathology, histopathology, veterinary clinical pathology, and molecular diagnostics in livestock and companion animals.

Research Fields: Veterinary pathology, Histopathology, Infectious disease diagnostics, Veterinary clinical pathology

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-9535-8512
Muhammad Jimoh

D.I.K Osori Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
Shamsuddeen Muhammad

Department of Veterinary Pathology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
Peter Charles Mshelia

D.I.K Osori Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

Research Fields: Small animal medicine, Clinical case management
Ahmad Muhammad Bako

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
Ibrahim Abubakar Ali

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
Nathaniel Jude Govo

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
Muhammad Salisu Abubakar

Department of Veterinary Pathology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

Research Fields: Veterinary anatomical pathology, Diagnostic necropsy, Histopathology, Infectious disease pathology

Download PDF

Submit an Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Hassan, A. A., Jimoh, M., Muhammad, S., Mshelia, P. C., Bako, A. M., et al. (2026). Fatal Canine Parvoviral Enteritis Associated with Neutrophilia Rather Than Classical Leukopenia in a Juvenile German Shepherd Puppy. Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 14(5), 137-143. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Hassan, A. A.; Jimoh, M.; Muhammad, S.; Mshelia, P. C.; Bako, A. M., et al. Fatal Canine Parvoviral Enteritis Associated with Neutrophilia Rather Than Classical Leukopenia in a Juvenile German Shepherd Puppy. Anim. Vet. Sci. 2026, 14(5), 137-143. doi: 10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Hassan AA, Jimoh M, Muhammad S, Mshelia PC, Bako AM, et al. Fatal Canine Parvoviral Enteritis Associated with Neutrophilia Rather Than Classical Leukopenia in a Juvenile German Shepherd Puppy. Anim Vet Sci. 2026;14(5):137-143. doi: 10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12,
  author = {Abubakar Abdulrauf Hassan and Muhammad Jimoh and Shamsuddeen Muhammad and Peter Charles Mshelia and Ahmad Muhammad Bako and Ibrahim Abubakar Ali and Nathaniel Jude Govo and Muhammad Salisu Abubakar},
  title = {Fatal Canine Parvoviral Enteritis Associated with Neutrophilia Rather Than Classical Leukopenia in a Juvenile German Shepherd Puppy},
  journal = {Animal and Veterinary Sciences},
  volume = {14},
  number = {5},
  pages = {137-143},
  doi = {10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.avs.20261405.12},
  abstract = {Canine parvovirus enteritis (CPVE) remains a highly contagious and frequently fatal viral disease affecting young dogs globally. This case report describes the clinical progression and postmortem findings of CPVE in a 7-week-old male German Shepherd puppy presented to the D.I.K Osori Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. The patient presented with a two-day history of anorexia, vomiting, and foul-smelling diarrhea after being housed with a dog that had recently recovered from CPVE. Clinical examination revealed 5% dehydration, tachycardia, and tachypnea. A rapid fecal antigen test confirmed CPVE. Hematological analysis revealed normocytic normochromic anemia with moderate neutrophilia, suggesting an acute inflammatory response associated with severe intestinal injury and highlighting an atypical neutrophilic hematological response in CPVE. Despite aggressive fluid resuscitation with Ringer's Lactate and dual antimicrobial intervention, the patient succumbed to the infection three days post-admission. Gross necropsy revealed severe, diffuse mucohemorrhagic enteritis with a characteristic "ground-glass" serosal appearance, mesenteric lymphadenomegaly, and diffuse pulmonary congestion and edema. Histopathological evaluation confirmed severe lymphoid depletion in the mesenteric lymph nodes and proteinaceous alveolar exudates in the lungs. The combined clinical and pathological findings were consistent with severe systemic circulatory and inflammatory disturbances preceding death, highlighting the importance of recognizing atypical hematological presentations in CPVE.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Fatal Canine Parvoviral Enteritis Associated with Neutrophilia Rather Than Classical Leukopenia in a Juvenile German Shepherd Puppy
AU  - Abubakar Abdulrauf Hassan
AU  - Muhammad Jimoh
AU  - Shamsuddeen Muhammad
AU  - Peter Charles Mshelia
AU  - Ahmad Muhammad Bako
AU  - Ibrahim Abubakar Ali
AU  - Nathaniel Jude Govo
AU  - Muhammad Salisu Abubakar
Y1  - 2026/09/24
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12
T2  - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
JF  - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
JO  - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
SP  - 137
EP  - 143
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5850
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20261405.12
AB  - Canine parvovirus enteritis (CPVE) remains a highly contagious and frequently fatal viral disease affecting young dogs globally. This case report describes the clinical progression and postmortem findings of CPVE in a 7-week-old male German Shepherd puppy presented to the D.I.K Osori Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. The patient presented with a two-day history of anorexia, vomiting, and foul-smelling diarrhea after being housed with a dog that had recently recovered from CPVE. Clinical examination revealed 5% dehydration, tachycardia, and tachypnea. A rapid fecal antigen test confirmed CPVE. Hematological analysis revealed normocytic normochromic anemia with moderate neutrophilia, suggesting an acute inflammatory response associated with severe intestinal injury and highlighting an atypical neutrophilic hematological response in CPVE. Despite aggressive fluid resuscitation with Ringer's Lactate and dual antimicrobial intervention, the patient succumbed to the infection three days post-admission. Gross necropsy revealed severe, diffuse mucohemorrhagic enteritis with a characteristic "ground-glass" serosal appearance, mesenteric lymphadenomegaly, and diffuse pulmonary congestion and edema. Histopathological evaluation confirmed severe lymphoid depletion in the mesenteric lymph nodes and proteinaceous alveolar exudates in the lungs. The combined clinical and pathological findings were consistent with severe systemic circulatory and inflammatory disturbances preceding death, highlighting the importance of recognizing atypical hematological presentations in CPVE.
VL  - 14
IS  - 5
ER  -

Copy | Download