Detection of Hammondia heydorni-like oocysts in feces of a dog with recurrent diarrhea.

Abstract

We report a male, 15-month-old American Canadian White Shepherd dog suffering from recurrent diarrhea and anorexia. Fecal analysis revealed coccidian oocysts of small size. Their morphology was similar to those of()and()isolatesUnsporulated oocysts had a mean length of 11.8 ± 0.96 µm and a mean width of 11.9 ± 0.96 µm.infection was suggested based on the larger size compared withoocysts. Additionally, real time PCR analysis forfrom the fecal sample was negative. After a single anti-coccidian treatment (0.45 mg/kg emodepside + 9 mg/kg toltrazuril) accompanied by amoxicillin (12 mg/kg twice daily for 6 days) the dog recovered very quickly from the disease. This case demonstrates that-like oocysts may be associated with gastrointestinal disease in canine species.