Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Infectious diseases found in pit bull-type dogs rescued
By Cannon, S H et al.·Published in Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)·2016·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·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 We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above.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: Infectious diseases in dogs rescued during dogfighting investigations.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 269 pit bull-type dogs rescued from dogfighting operations were found to have a high prevalence of infectious diseases, with many showing signs of fleas and some having anemia. The most common infections included Babesia gibsoni, which was linked to anemia in 63% of infected dogs, as well as other blood-borne infections. To help these dogs recover, veterinarians recommended broad-spectrum treatments for parasites and careful monitoring for anemia and other infections. The findings highlight the need for thorough health screenings and preventive care for dogs rescued from such situations.
People also search for: dogfighting rescue health issues · pit bull anemia treatment · Babesia gibsoni in dogs
Abstract
Dogs used for dogfighting often receive minimal preventive health care, and the potential for spread of infectious diseases is high. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of infectious diseases in dogs rescued from fighting operations to guide medical protocols for their immediate and long-term care. A total of 269 pit bull-type dogs were seized in a multi-state investigation. Fleas were present on most dogs, but few ticks were observed. Testing performed at intake included packed cell volume (PCV), serology and PCR for vector-borne pathogens, and fecal analysis. The most common infections were Babesia gibsoni (39%), 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' (32%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (30%), Dirofilaria immitis (12%), and Ancylostoma (23%). Anemia was associated with B. gibsoni infection (63% of infected dogs, odds ratio = 2.5, P <0.001), but not with hemotropic mycoplasmas or Ancylostoma. Pit bull heritage and dogfighting are known risk factors for B. gibsoni infection, possibly via blood transmission from bites and vertical transmission. Hemotropic mycoplasmas have a similar risk pattern. Empirical care for dogs from dogfighting cases should include broad-spectrum internal and external parasiticides and monitoring for anemia. Dogfighting case responders should be prepared for mass screening and treatment of B. gibsoni and heartworm infections and should implement protocols to prevent transmission of infectious and zoonotic diseases in the shelter and following adoption. Former fighting dogs and dogs with possible dog bite scars should not be used as blood donors due to the risk of vector-borne pathogens that can escape detection and for which curative treatment is difficult to document.
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/27056107/