Blood changes in dogs with single or mixed parasite infections

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasitoses are the most widespread invasions among dogs in different countries of the world. Their course varies considerably and depends on many factors, among which the type of invasion—caused by a single or multiple pathogens–is of particular importance. Clinical signs of mixed invasions develop more rapidly, especially when immunocompetent cells and the host’s resources cannot withstand the simultaneous effects of pathogens of different species and classes. As a result, significant changes occur, primarily in the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract, which are also reflected in blood parameters. The aim of the study was to determine the specific effects of endoparasites on the hematological parameters of dogs under mono- and mixed invasions. The research was carried out in the private veterinary clinic “Dovira” (Kharkiv, Ukraine). Four groups of animals were formed: one control group (clinically healthy dogs) and three experimental groups (infected with mono- and mixed-invasion pathogens – Trichuris vulpis, T. vulpis + Dipylidium caninum, and T. vulpis + D. caninum + Cystoisospora canis). It was found that with an increasing number of parasites in cases of mixed invasion, the severity of hematological changes intensified. In dogs with trichurosis mono-invasion, slight decreases (P < 0.05) in hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), erythrocyte count, and hematocrit value were observed, along with an increase in leukocyte count. In trichurosis–dipylidiosis mixed invasion, hemoglobin concentration, MCHC, and erythrocyte count decreased even further (P < 0.01), while leukocyte count increased markedly. At the same time, a slight decrease (P < 0.05) in platelet count was recorded. In dogs simultaneously parasitized by Trichuris, Dipylidium, and Cystoisospora, significant alterations in blood parameters were revealed: hemoglobin concentration decreased by 17.5 % (P < 0.001), MCHC by 9.7% (P < 0.001), erythrocyte count by 24.2 % (P < 0.001), platelet count by 34.5 % (P < 0.01), and hematocrit value by 22.1 % (P < 0.001), while leukocyte count increased by 50.6 % (P < 0.001). The obtained results expand and complement existing data on certain links of pathogenesis in mono- and mixed invasions caused by endoparasites.