Parvovirus infection commonly causes hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not commonly seen
• D. Only in vaccinated dogs

Answer: (A)

Parvovirus infection in dogs classically causes hemorrhagic gastroenteritis because the virus targets rapidly dividing cells in the intestinal crypts and bone marrow. Destruction of crypt epithelium leads to loss of the intestinal barrier, villous atrophy, malabsorption, and intense inflammation, producing severe, often bloody diarrhea. At the same time, bone marrow suppression causes leukopenia, increasing the risk of secondary bacterial infection and sepsis. This combination makes hemorrhagic gastroenteritis a common and characteristic presentation, especially in young, unvaccinated dogs that lack protective maternal antibodies. Vaccination largely prevents this disease, so it is not limited to vaccinated dogs, and the presentation is not considered rare.