Alterations in trace element homeostasis in dogs with parvoviral enteritis

Canine parvoviral enteritis (PE) is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease characterised by severe gastrointestinal disturbances and marked immunosuppression. Despite the critical role of micronutrients in immune responses and recovery, data on trace element concentrations in dogs with PE remain limited; findings across existing studies are inconsistent, and chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo) have not previously been investigated in this condition. This study aimed to compare plasma concentrations of essential trace elements in dogs diagnosed with PE with those in healthy controls.

Plasma concentrations of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), selenium (Se), Cr, Mn and Mo were measured in 26 dogs with PE and 26 healthy dogs using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

In dogs with PE, plasma concentrations of Fe (p < 0.01), Mo (p < 0.001) and Se (p < 0.001) were significantly lower than those in healthy controls, whereas plasma concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cr, Co and Mn did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05).

The findings should be interpreted in light of several limitations, including the single-time-point sampling design, variation in disease severity among affected dogs, limited availability of detailed clinical data, and the potential influence of individual factors such as age, breed and nutritional status on plasma trace element concentrations.

These findings provide new insights into the disruption of Fe, Se and Mo homeostasis in dogs with PE. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance of these changes.