parvovirus

American  

[pahr-voh-vahy-ruhs] / ˈpɑr voʊˌvaɪ rəs /

noun

plural

parvoviruses

1. Veterinary Pathology. a highly contagious, often fatal viral disease of dogs, characterized by vomiting, severe diarrhea, and depression and accompanied by high fever and loss of appetite.

2. any of several small DNA-containing viruses belonging to the genus Parvovirus, of the family Parvoviridae, especially the virus that causes the disease parvovirus in dogs or distemper in cats.

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parvovirus British  

/ ˈpɑːvəʊˌvaɪrəs /

noun

1. any of a group of viruses characterized by their very small size, each of which is specific to a particular species, as for example canine parvovirus

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parvovirus Scientific  

/ pär′vō-vī′rəs /

1. Any of a group of small DNA viruses of the family Parvoviridae that cause disease in many vertebrates, especially a febrile infection in dogs resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes death. In humans it commonly causes an acute contagious infection called fifth disease, marked by a facial rash.

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Etymology

Origin of parvovirus

1960–65; < Latin parv ( us ) small + -o- + virus

Example Sentences

Doctors discovered Arthur had caught parvovirus, which led to severe anaemia, a build-up of fluid and heart failure.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Once the rash disappeared, I’d assumed there would be nothing to worry about, but when I opened MyChart, it informed me I had “abnormal” parvovirus results.

From Slate • Jan. 2, 2025

Each pouch could save a pet’s life: a retriever that ingested poison, a corgi with a bleeding disorder, a puppy with parvovirus.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2024

These included rabies for dogs and cats, canine parvovirus and canine distemper for dogs, and feline panleukopenia and feline Bordetella for cats.

From Science Daily • Dec. 22, 2023

Precautions here are strict because of a recent canine parvovirus outbreak that sickened some of the puppies.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 1, 2023