Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Risk factors for intestinal parasites in dogs in Greece
By Symeonidou, I et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology·2017·School of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Regression models to assess the risk factors of canine gastrointestinal parasitism.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that 39% of dogs tested in Greece had gastrointestinal parasites, which can be a concern for both pets and their owners. The most common parasite was Toxocara canis, but others like Giardia and Isospora were also frequently detected. Young, stray dogs or those living without other dogs were more likely to be infected, especially if they had multiple parasites at once. This highlights the importance of regular fecal testing and preventive care to keep dogs healthy and reduce the risk of spreading parasites to humans.
People also search for: dog gastrointestinal parasites · Toxocara canis symptoms · Giardia treatment for dogs · how to prevent dog parasites · dog fecal test importance
Abstract
Gastrointestinal parasites, protozoa and helminths, remain a common important finding in dogs presented to veterinary medical practices. Moreover, dogs may play an active role in the transmission of enteric parasites to humans, given their cohabitation, making canine gastrointestinal parasitism an issue of major concern for public health. To get an overview of the current state of canine gastrointestinal parasites' prevalence in Greece, a total of 1036 faecal samples were collected from dogs either presented in veterinary clinics or in animal shelters. Samples were examined by a combined sedimentation-flotation technique. Possible risk factors (age, ownership status, co-existence with other animals, coinfection with other parasites) were assessed using binary regression models for each one of the most prevalent parasites. The overall gastrointestinal parasite prevalence in dogs' faecal samples was 39%. A total of 11 intestinal parasitic species were detected and up to five different parasites were isolated in the same faecal sample. Toxocara canis was the most prevalent parasite in the studied population, followed by Isospora spp., Giardia spp., Uncinaria spp., Trichuris vulpis, Ancylostoma spp., Toxascaris leonina, and Dipylidium caninum. Additionally, other genera (Taenia, Capillaria and Angiostrongylus) were also detected in very low percentages. Young, stray, living without other dogs, coinfected with T. vulpis or T. canis and free of Isospora spp. dogs were more likely to be infected by Giardia spp. Likewise, young, stray, coinfected with T. vulpis or T. canis but free of Giardia spp. dogs were more likely to be infected by Isospora spp. T. canis infections were more common in dogs coinfected with Isospora spp., Giardia spp., D. caninum, Τaenia spp., T. vulpis and T. leonina Finally, T. vulpis more often infected older dogs and dogs coinfected with Isospora spp., Giardia spp. and T. canis Consequently, the prevalence of parasitized dogs was high and the diversity of parasites found was notable, which calls for a greater awareness among veterinarians and pet owners. The proposed prediction models should be taken under consideration in diagnostic approach of clinical cases, as well as in planning sustainable antiparasitic strategies.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29173542/