Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dogs can carry Sarcocystis morae parasite in Hungary for the first
By Tuska-Szalay, Barbara et al.·Published in Acta veterinaria Hungarica·2021·University of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Dogs are final hosts of Sarcocystis morae (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae): First report of this species in Hungary and its region - Short communication.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Four American Staffordshire terrier dogs were tested for a type of parasite called Sarcocystis morae, which is typically found in deer. One dog tested positive for this parasite, likely due to eating raw meat, which can be a source of infection. This finding is significant because it shows that dogs can act as hosts for this parasite, shedding it into the environment. Pet owners should be cautious about feeding raw meat and consider the risks of parasites when taking dogs into wooded areas.
People also search for: dog parasite symptoms · Sarcocystis morae in dogs · raw meat dog food risks
Abstract
In this study, faecal samples of four American Staffordshire terrier dogs (used for illegal fighting) were analysed by DNA extraction, molecular-phylogenetic and parasitological methods, in order to examine the occurrence of protozoan, apicomplexan parasites. In one sample, the DNA of Sarcocystis morae was shown to be present. This species was identified based on 100% identity with already reported sequences of S. morae from cervids in Lithuania and Spain. The result was also confirmed by phylogenetic analysis. The sporocysts of the canine S. morae isolate measured 14.95 × 9.75 μm on average. This is the first molecular evidence in support of the final host role of domestic dogs in the life cycle of S. morae. The most likely source of the infection was raw meat given to the examined dog to increase its physical achievement. In conclusion, under similar circumstances dogs may participate in the life cycle of S. morae in a 'natural way', shedding sporocysts/oocysts when used for hunting or taken to walks in forested areas.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34111023/