Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
High rates of intestinal worms and parasites in dogs from Minas
By Heukelbach, Jörg et al.·Published in Parasitology research·2012·Department of Community Health, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: High prevalence of intestinal infections and ectoparasites in dogs, Minas Gerais State (southeast Brazil).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that many dogs in Uberlândia, Brazil, had intestinal infections and parasites. Out of 155 dogs examined, a significant number were found to have tapeworms and roundworms, with 57 dogs infected with the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum. Additionally, most dogs had fleas and ticks, which can lead to further health issues. Young male dogs and crossbreeds were more likely to have these infections. This highlights the importance of regular veterinary check-ups and parasite prevention to keep pets and their owners safe from potential diseases.
People also search for: dog intestinal parasites treatment · how to prevent fleas and ticks in dogs · signs of tapeworms in dogs
Abstract
In the present study, 155 dogs euthanized by the Zoonotic Disease Unit of Uberlândia in Minas Gerais State (Southeast Brazil) were autopsied. Ectoparasites were collected, and the intestinal content of dogs was systematically examined for the presence of helminthic parasites. In total, we isolated 5,155 metazoan parasites of eight species (three intestinal helminth species, five ectoparasite species). The cestode Dipylidium caninum was present in 57 dogs (36.8 %), the nematodes Ancylostoma caninum in 30 (19.4 %) and Toxocara canis in 24 (15.5 %), respectively. Among the ectoparasites, 139 (89.7 %) dogs were infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 115 (74.2 %) with Ctenocephalides felis, 5 (3.2 %) with Tunga penetrans and one specimen (0.7 %) with Amblyomma cajennense, while myiasis was found in one dog (0.7 %). In logistic regression analysis, young age (adjusted odds ratio 5.74; 95 % confidence interval 1.18-27.85) and male sex (3.60; 1.24-10.40) were significantly associated with toxocariasis, and crossbreed dogs (8.20; 1.52-44.31), with dipylidiasis. Male (2.23; 1.12-4.43) and crossbreed dogs (5.17; 1.17-22.83) had also a significant higher number of concomitant parasitoses. Spatial distribution of dogs by neighbourhood identified high-risk areas. Our systematic study shows that dogs in Uberlândia carry a high number of parasites which may cause zoonotic diseases in humans; therefore, further specific evidence-based intervention measures are needed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22825284/