Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Veterinary needs of dogs in two resource-limited communities in the Gauteng and North West provinces of South Africa.
- Journal:
- Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
- Year:
- 2001
- Authors:
- Minnaar, W N & Krecek, R C
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In two communities in South Africa, researchers looked into the health and living conditions of dogs. They found that a high percentage of dogs were infected with hookworms, which can be harmful to both dogs and people. Many of these dogs were also not getting enough protein in their diets, which, combined with the hookworm infection, could seriously affect their health. The main reason people kept dogs in these areas was for security, but they expressed a strong need for more accessible and affordable veterinary care. Overall, the study highlights significant health challenges for dogs in these communities.
Abstract
Information on the socioeconomic aspects and the health status of dogs in 2 resource-limited communities in the North West and Gauteng provinces of South Africa was gathered using semi-structured interviews and a standardised questionnaire. The dogs were examined clinically to determine their health status, and their body condition and age were scored. Most of the dogs (93 % in Jericho and 90 % in Zuurbekom) were infected with hookworm, which poses a threat to animal and human health in the 2 study areas. Many dogs were also being given a protein-deficient diet, which together with hookworm parasites would impact considerably on the dog's health. Dogs were mainly kept for security reasons. The need indicated tobe most important by the residents of the 2 communities was a lack of available and affordable veterinary services.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12219916/