Capstone Project

Title

What Drives Survival in Canine Parvovirus?

Abstract

This capstone project investigates which components of canine parvovirus (CPV) management are most strongly associated with improved survival outcomes, and how these components differ between a tertiary referral hospital and a shelter setting. By comparing protocols at the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital (ECC) and the Humane Society of North Central Florida (HSNCF), this project identifies key clinical and operational factors that influence survival. The findings emphasize the importance of early intervention, standardized protocols, and biosecurity in improving outcomes in both high-resource and resource-limited environments.

Problem Statement & Significance

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and environmentally resistant disease with untreated mortality rates approaching 90% in susceptible puppies.

Despite this, survival rates vary widely depending on the treatment setting:

~70–90% survival in referral hospitals
~70–85% survival in structured shelter or outpatient programs

This variability highlights a critical gap:
👉 Which components of care truly drive survival, and how can shelters optimize outcomes with limited resources?

This project matters because it:

Improves evidence-based decision making in shelters
Supports resource-efficient treatment models
Enhances animal welfare and survival outcomes
Bridges the gap between high-level medicine and real-world shelter constraints

Methods Overview

This project used a comparative, systems-based approach:

1. Clinical Setting Comparison

University of Florida Small Animal Hospital (ECC)
- 24/7 monitoring
- Advanced diagnostics
- Individual patient care
Humane Society of North Central Florida (HSNCF)
- Limited staffing and diagnostics
- Population-level management
- Cost-conscious protocols

2. Protocol Evaluation

Intake and triage procedures
Diagnostic approaches (SNAP ELISA, labs)
Treatment protocols (IV vs SQ fluids, medications)
Monitoring and reassessment
Biosecurity and containment strategies

3. Literature Integration

Survival outcomes from published studies
Evidence-based predictors of survival
Emerging therapies (e.g., monoclonal antibodies)

Ethical Considerations

This project was based on protocol evaluation, literature review, and observational comparison.

No experimental animal use → IACUC not required
No human subject data collection → IRB not required

Key Findings & Implications

Key Findings

Across both settings, survival is driven by:

Early and adequate fluid resuscitation
Prevention of hypovolemia and electrolyte imbalance
Timely antiemetic and antimicrobial therapy
Consistent monitoring and reassessment
Strict biosecurity and isolation protocols
Implementation of structured treatment protocols

Additionally:

Resource differences affect how care is delivered, but not necessarily what is essential
Shelter models can achieve strong outcomes when protocols are standardized and applied consistently

Implications

This project demonstrates that:

Protocol consistency matters more than setting
Shelters can achieve high survival with:
- Structured outpatient programs
- Foster-based care models
- Early intervention strategies
Improving systems (not just treatments) leads to:
- Better survival rates
- Reduced disease spread
- More efficient use of resources

Visuals

(Upload these directly from your presentation — you already have AMAZING ones)