North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) Practice Test

The correct time frame for shedding canine parvovirus after infection is 7 to 10 days. During this period, infected dogs can excrete the virus in their feces, which poses a risk of transmission to other dogs, especially in environments where they may come into contact with contaminated materials. The shedding starts about 3 to 5 days following infection and can last up to 10 days, making it crucial for dog owners to isolate infected animals during this time to help control the spread of the virus.

Understanding this time frame is significant in clinical practice, as it helps veterinarians advise pet owners on isolation protocols and hygiene measures to prevent outbreaks in their communities. Other potential durations, such as 5-6 months or 2-3 months, are not typical for the shedding period and would indicate longer viral persistence than is generally observed, while 3-4 weeks might suggest an extended shedding phase that is also atypical for parvovirus.