Plasma Granulocyte Colony‐Stimulating Factor Concentrations in Neutropenic, Parvoviral Enteritis‐Infected Puppies

We evaluated the temporal relationship between neutrophil numbers and plasma granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) concentrations in dogs infected with canine parvovirus, a common infectious cause of neutropenia. G‐CSF is produced in response to neutropenia, infection, or inflammation, and results in the production and release of neutrophils from the bone marrow. Adequate numbers of functional neutrophils are necessary for protection from infection, and the timely production of G‐CSF is a crucial response to certain diseases. The relationship between peripheral neutrophil numbers and plasma G‐CSF concentrations during the course of an infectious disease characterized by neutropenia has not been described previously in dogs. Eight mixed‐breed puppies were given an oronasal challenge with canine parvovirus, and peripheral neutrophil numbers as well as plasma G‐CSF concentrations were measured daily. G‐CSF was not detectable in plasma of any dog before the onset of neutropenia, but G‐CSF became detectable just after the onset of neutropenia in the 7 dogs that developed clinical illness. Neutropenia persisted or worsened for at least 2 days after plasma G‐CSF became detectable in all 7 dogs. Neutrophil nadir, the highest plasma G‐CSF concentrations, and the most severe clinical illness occurred concurrently in most dogs. Although 1 dog died while still neutropenic, plasma G‐CSF concentrations declined before resolution of neutropenia in the other 6 dogs, and were again below the limits of detection in 5 of the 6 dogs at the time of resolution.