Radiographic appearance of canine parvovirus enteritis

Sixty dogs with serologically proved parvovirus infection were radiographically evaluated for signs of gastrointestinal disease. Patient grouping was based on duration of illness, which correlated generally with severity of clinical signs. Early in the disease, the radiographic appearance usually was normal. As the disease progressed, abnormal gas and fluid distention of the small bowel became evident. Contrast radiographic findings usually were normal early in the disease but became abnormal as the disease progressed. Vomiting of the contrast agent, delayed gastrointestinal transit time, flocculation, and abnormal bowel patterns were observed frequently. It was concluded that noncontrast radiographic features of canine parvovirus enteritis often were similar to those identified in other gastrointestinal disorders and, therefore, were not always specific for the disease. Results of contrast radiography, however, were highly specific for parvovirus enteritis. Intestinal contrast examination was believed to be a reliable means of differentiating parvovirus enteritis from clinically similar disorders and in ruling out primary or secondary intestinal obstruction. The duration of illness was correlated with the number, severity, and nature of radiographic signs.