Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis exposure in UK dogs with brain
By Coelho, A M et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2019·Dick White Referrals (DWR), United Kingdom·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 We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above.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: Serological prevalence of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in dogs diagnosed with suspected meningoencephalitis in the UK.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs diagnosed with suspected inflammatory meningitis or encephalitis were tested for exposure to two parasites, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Out of 400 dogs, only a small number showed signs of exposure or active infection, suggesting that these infections are rare in this population. The findings indicate that the risk of starting immunosuppressive treatment for these dogs is low, as the prevalence of these protozoan infections is minimal. Most dogs in this study did not have significant issues related to these parasites.
People also search for: dog meningitis symptoms · Toxoplasma gondii in dogs · Neospora caninum treatment for dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in a population of dogs with a diagnosis of suspected inflammatory meningoencephalitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of three referral centres were reviewed from 2008 to 2016 to identify a cohort of dogs diagnosed and treated for suspected inflammatory meningoencephalitis after testing for evidence of exposure to these pathogens. RESULTS: In our sample of 400 dogs the prevalence for exposure (IgG>1:50) to Toxoplasma gondii was 8/201 (3∙98%). Active infection (IgG titre >1:400 or/and an IgM titre >1:64 and/or positive PCR in CSF) was suspected in 1/400 (0∙25%). The prevalence for exposure [Indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) titre >1:50] and active infection (IFA titres ≥⃒1:400 and/or positive PCR in CSF) with Neospora caninum were 14/201 (6∙96%) and 9/400 (2∙25%), respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In view of the low prevalence of protozoan infections, the risk associated with starting immunosuppressive medication in dogs with evidence of inflammatory meningitis or encephalitis in the UK appears low.
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/30371939/