Which of the following is a positive prognostic indicator for parvo infection?

• A. Higher CRP
• B. Maintenance of WBC count
• C. Hypoalbuminemia
• D. Lymphopenia

Answer: (B)

Maintaining the white blood cell count during canine parvovirus infection is a favorable sign because it shows the bone marrow isn’t severely suppressed and the immune system can still mount defenses. In parvo, the virus often causes leukopenia, so keeping the WBC count within a normal or near-normal range suggests the patient has better immune reserves and a lower risk of secondary infection or sepsis. That’s why this finding is considered a positive prognostic indicator.

Higher CRP reflects systemic inflammation and tends to rise with disease severity, so it’s not a reliable sign of a better prognosis. Hypoalbuminemia indicates significant protein loss from a damaged gut and ongoing systemic illness, which is associated with a worse outcome. Lymphopenia shows reduced immune function and higher risk of complications, also aligning with a poorer prognosis.