Case Study

A Systematic Approach to Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea in a 12-Week-Old Puppy

By Dr. Emily Carter
8 min read

Abstract: This report details the clinical presentation, diagnostic investigation, and management of a 12-week-old, incompletely vaccinated Golden Retriever puppy...

1. Presentation & History

A 12-week-old male Golden Retriever puppy was presented for acute onset (12 hours) of anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, and severe hemorrhagic diarrhea...

2. Physical Examination & Initial Differentials

On examination, the patient was quiet but responsive, with a temperature of 104.5°F, heart rate of 160 bpm, and tacky mucous membranes (~7% dehydrated)...

3. Diagnostic Workup

An in-clinic Tashikin CPV Ag Test (TR1021109) was performed immediately on a fecal sample, yielding a strong positive result within 5 minutes...

4. Treatment & Outcome

The patient was immediately hospitalized and started on aggressive intravenous fluid therapy... Due to the rapid diagnosis, the patient made a full recovery after 5 days of intensive care.


Key Clinical Takeaways

  • In young, incompletely vaccinated puppies with acute hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, CPV should be the top differential.
  • Rapid, in-clinic antigen testing is essential for timely diagnosis...
  • A positive rapid test result should be correlated with other clinical findings...

Diagnostics Used in This Case

Rapid Antigen Test

Tashikin CPV Ag Test

Product Code: TR1021109

View Product Details

References

  1. Goddard, A., & Leisewitz, A. L. (2010). Canine parvovirus. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 40(6), 1041-1053.