Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Severe Strongyloides infection in a Melbourne puppy and risks
By Chen, Y et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2026·Melbourne Veterinary School, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Severe Strongyloides stercoralis infection in a puppy from a metropolitan area of Melbourne, Australia: a need for heightened awareness of this zoonotic parasite.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 23-week-old female Boston Terrier was brought in with severe gastrointestinal problems, but sadly, she passed away despite intensive veterinary care. Tests revealed a serious infection with a parasite called Strongyloides stercoralis, which caused significant damage to her intestines. This case highlights the importance of being aware of this parasite, especially since it may be more common than previously thought in Australia. Pet owners should be vigilant about gastrointestinal symptoms in their dogs and consult their veterinarian if they notice any concerning signs.
People also search for: puppy gastrointestinal problems · Boston Terrier parasite infection · dog intestinal issues treatment
Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis, a soil-transmitted parasitic helminth, poses significant health risks for various species, including humans and canines. Despite previously being considered rare in Australia, recent findings indicate a higher than anticipated prevalence, suggesting it might be an underdiagnosed issue nationwide. This case report details a deceased 23-week-old female Boston Terrier that presented with severe gastrointestinal signs and died, despite intensive veterinary care. Subsequent histopathological and parasitological examinations confirmed a significant infestation of S. stercoralis, with severe intestinal damage typical of strongyloidiasis. This case underscores the capacity of S. stercoralis to cause severe disease and highlights the importance of considering strongyloidiasis in the differential diagnoses of gastrointestinal illness.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41253354/