Serum D-lactate concentrations in dogs with parvoviral enteritis.

Background: Dogs infected with canine parvovirus (CPV) have compromised intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. Production of D-lactate by enteric bacteria may directly reflect disease severity or contribute to metabolic acid-base status in these dogs.

Hypothesis: Serum D-lactate concentration will be increased in CPV dogs compared to healthy controls and correlate with markers of disease severity and acid-base status.