Retrospective evaluation of canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody supports faster clinical recovery in shelter dogs with naturally occurring canine parvovirus.

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody (CPMA) administered with standardized supportive care for naturally occurring canine parvovirus (CPV) in a shelter setting.

METHODS

Electronic medical records from CPV-positive dogs treated at Gigi's Parvovirus Treatment Center between June 2020 and May 2024 were reviewed. All dogs received a standardized standard-of-care (SOC) algorithm. Dogs treated prior to August 2023 received SOC alone (n = 49), while those admitted thereafter received CPMA (0.2 mL/kg, IV) plus SOC (63). Primary outcomes were hospitalization duration, mortality, and time to isolation release criteria (2 consecutive negative CPV ELISA tests [SNAP; Idexx Laboratories Inc]). Secondary outcomes included modified clinical severity scores, medication scores, and total cost of care.

RESULTS

Dogs receiving CPMA with SOC had significantly shorter hospitalization (median, 2 vs 4 days) and reached isolation release criteria sooner (median, 5 vs 6.5 days) compared with SOC alone. Mortality did not differ significantly (17% vs 22%). Maximum medication scores and overall cost of care were not statistically different, although CPMA-treated dogs showed a real-world median cost reduction of $978.50. One CPMA-treated dog experienced an anaphylactic reaction and recovered with supportive care.

CONCLUSIONS

CPMA administration in combination with SOC accelerated clinical recovery and time to release from isolation compared with SOC alone.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CPMA appears clinically effective and safe for naturally occurring CPV infections in a shelter environment. By reducing isolation time, CPMA may improve welfare, reduce behavioral risk associated with prolonged isolation and medical trauma, and support earlier adoption.