Canine parvovirus: a cause of chronic myocardial fibrosis and adolescent congestive heart failure

Members of three litters of pups infected with canine parvovirus are compared in relation to the time of clinical presentation, clinical, biochemical, electrocardiographical, radiographical and histological findings. Affected pups under 2 months of age showed no clinical signs of myocarditis whereas adolescent pups (over 5 months of age) showed congestive heart failure. Possible reasons for this age difference are discussed.