Clinical effectiveness of autohemotherapy as an adjunct treatment of canine parvovirus

ABSTRACT

Background: Canine parvovirus is highlighted among the gastroenteric diseases that are common medical occurrences in small animals due to its clinical evolution. Although the treatment is often successful, the success rate has remained unchanged over the years, reflecting a clear need for searching more efficient protocols in order to reduce hospitalization, treatment cost and increase survival rates. Autohemotherapy efficacy has been demonstrated for several diseases and identified as a stimulating tool and immune mediator. Thus, the objective of this research was to determine the clinical effectiveness of autohemotherapy as an adjunct in the treatment of dogs suffering from parvovirus. Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty dogs suffering from parvovirus, diagnosed via immunochromatography, were distributed (n = 10) into two groups autohemotherapy (GAHT) and control (GCO). Both groups were treated with the appropriate support therapy for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (GHE), while the dogs of the GAHT group were also treated with the adjunct autohemotherapy (AHT). The AHT consisted of the administration of blood collected by jugular venipuncture, without anticoagulant, immediately injected in equal proportion in the semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscle region. The blood volume injected was based on animal weight...(AU)