Canine parvovirus treatment receives conditional approval
Published: 10 May 2023
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted a conditional license for the first therapeutic solution to treat canine parvovirus (CPV).
Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody—Elanco's first monoclonal antibody treatment—is a single, intravenous dose used to treat clinical signs caused by parvo in sick puppies and dogs, regardless of vaccination status.
The treatment can be administered to dogs 8 weeks or older with CPV, according to a May 2 Elanco announcement. It is expected to be available to veterinarians for direct purchase through Elanco, pending individual state approvals.
CPV is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than 4 months old are the most at risk, resulting in a fatality rate greater than 90% if left untreated.
The virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces, environments, or people. This makes treatment especially important in animal shelters where parvovirus can quickly spread through puppies and young dogs in large numbers.
Dr. Kristin Zersen, assistant professor of emergency and critical care at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences' Veterinary Teaching Hospital, said, “With traditional treatments, there can be unpredictable outcomes with potentially high costs. With the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody, puppies may feel better faster and go home sooner.”
To see the full version of this story, visit the AVMA News website.
