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

Between stations, I messaged my doctor, then anxiously researched parvovirus.

From Slate • Jan. 2, 2025

She says the harsh winter weather combined with the conditions in public dog shelters and the prevalence of potentially diseases such as parvovirus make young puppies very vulnerable.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 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

Ten more puppies were brought in the next day and their parvovirus had advanced to such a point “that there was no other choice than to humanely euthanize them,” Cohen said.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2023

The ailing dogs displayed clinical signs suggesting they had parvovirus but had “consistently” tested negative at veterinary clinics and animal shelters, said Kim Dodd, director of Michigan State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 25, 2022