Which of the following are symptoms of Parvovirus?

• A. Depression, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and lethargy
• B. Coughing and sneezing only
• C. Increased appetite and weight gain
• D. No symptoms in any dog

Answer: (A)

Parvovirus in dogs presents with severe gastrointestinal and systemic signs, such as depression, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and lethargy. This combination happens because the virus targets rapidly dividing cells in the intestinal lining and bone marrow, leading to dehydration, weakness, and an inability to fight off infection. The other descriptions don’t fit parvovirus: coughing and sneezing point to respiratory infections rather than a systemic GI illness; increased appetite and weight gain are not typical of a dog that's acutely ill with parvovirus (weight loss is more common); and while vaccines protect against it, many dogs with parvovirus will show symptoms rather than none at all. If parvovirus is suspected, it requires immediate veterinary care for supportive treatment and to improve the chance of survival.