CLINICAL CANINE PARVOVIRUS TYPE 2C INFECTION IN A GROUP OF ASIAN SMALL-CLAWED OTTERS (AONYX CINEREA)

Abstract

Despite the occurrence of clinical disease in a wide range of carnivore hosts, only vague accounts of clinical canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) in any otter species have been reported in the literature. Over the course of 25 days, nine Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinerea) presented for evaluation of inappetence, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. A diagnosis of canine parvovirus type 2c was made based on electron microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, and DNA sequencing of group fecal samples. Supportive care was provided based on individual clinical assessment and included subcutaneous crystalline fluid therapy, antiemetics, antibiotics, appetite stimulants, and a neuraminidase inhibitor. Five of the nine otters exhibited moderate to severe disease requiring treatment, and one case was fatal despite supportive efforts. In light of this case report, CPV-2 should be recognized as a potential cause of gastrointestinal disease in Asian small-clawed otters.

Canine parvovirus: the worldwide occurrence of antigenic variants

“…A recent study by Filipov et al (2014) detected two wild carnivores parvovirus positive, a wolf (Canis lupus) and a red fox (Vulpes vulpes), both being infected by CPV-2a strains. A diagnosis of CPV-2c was also made in a group of Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinerea) (Gjeltema et al, 2015).…”

Mustelids

“…Canine parvovirus-2c infection was identified in a zoo collection of Asian small-clawed otters. Infection resulted in inappetence, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea, and one fatality (Gjeltsema et al, 2015). An endemic parvovirus has been identified in southern sea otters but no disease association has been established (Siqueira et al, 2017).…”

Molecular detection and characterization of carnivore parvoviruses in free‐ranging Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in southern Italy

“…It is known that the river otters ( Lontra canadensis ) may be susceptible to CPV infection (Hoover, Castro, & Nieves, ; Kimber & Kollias, ). A CPV‐induced disease was reported in nine Asian small‐clawed otters ( Aonyx cinerea ) (Gjeltema, Murphy, & Rivera, ); and recently a novel parvovirus was detected in southern sea otters ( Enhydra lutris nereis ) (Siqueira et al, ).…”