Toxoplasmosis in Dogs

Parasitic disease of animals, as well as humans, caused by Toxoplasma. It was first recorded in animals only in 1910, but has now become quite common. It is believed that dogs are less likely to be carriers of this disease than cats. The disease can manifest with varying degrees of severity, depending on the state of the immune system.

Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in Dogs

In mild cases, it is asymptomatic. Clinical signs of the acute form include:

• fever;
• loss of appetite;
• vomiting;
• shortness of breath;
• diarrhea;
• seizures;
• ataxia — a disruption in coordination.

Rarely, the eyes of the affected pet may be involved. These symptoms are similar to those of distemper and neosporosis, so a precise diagnosis must be established before treatment.

Can You Get Toxoplasmosis from Your Dog?

The parasite can exist in the human body but usually does not cause illness. Many people have an immune trace indicating a battle against the disease in an asymptomatic form.

Routes of Infection for Pets

These include:

• drinking water or consuming food contaminated with oocysts — the eggs of the parasite;
• eating infected meat;
• oral-fecal transmission;
• intrauterine infection.

How Humans Get Infected

The most common route is through eating raw meat containing the parasites. There is a theory that you can get toxoplasmosis from dogs, but with less likelihood than from cats, as they are merely intermediate hosts. Toxoplasmosis is diagnosed in children because they have close contact with animals without following hygiene rules. The transmission routes from pets include:

• inhaling particles of feces containing the parasites;
• through toys and close contact with the pet;
• dogs bringing parasites on their paws from outside, transmitting them through licking.

Symptoms in humans resemble typhoid: fever, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea. Despite the apparent danger, the risk of contracting the infection from four-legged friends is low if sanitary rules are followed.

Preventive measures include: preventing contact between pets and strays; washing the dog's paws; feeding them quality food and meat; not allowing contact with feces.

For people with reduced immune response, toxoplasmosis is dangerous and can cause encephalitis. The risk group includes HIV-infected individuals and those with autoimmune diseases.

Infection is dangerous for pregnant women if there is no trace of the battle against toxoplasmosis. The fetus may either die or be born with severe CNS disorders. However, according to the Ministry of Health, 60-70% of women have an immune trace against toxoplasmosis (often asymptomatic infection).

How to Diagnose Toxoplasmosis in Dogs: Diagnosis

In modern veterinary medicine, the disease is diagnosed based on three criteria: by clinical symptoms;

• serological tests;
• positive dynamics during treatment for toxoplasmosis.

Additional studies include ultrasound and X-ray. Infection is suspected in animals with anemia, acute pancreatitis, jaundice, and CNS pathologies that may have arisen due to the progression of the disease.

Direct analysis of the dog for toxoplasmosis includes cytology of fluid from the bronchi, spinal cord, and lymph nodes. The PCR method — blood testing for Toxoplasma — is popular and used in veterinary clinics.

Treatment of Toxoplasmosis in Dogs: Therapy, Medications

The treatment aims to stop the division of the parasite. A whole range of medications is used, which have serious side effects and contraindications. The following are prescribed: Clindamycin hydrochloride and phosphate orally for 4 weeks.

• Pyrimethamine.
• Spiramycin.
• Toltrazuril.

Liver protectors are additionally indicated. After the start of therapy, symptoms disappear within 48 hours. Pyrimethamine is not indicated for pregnant and nursing females, so spiramycin is used instead. To reduce the side effects of this drug, yeast or folic acid is prescribed. In cases of uveitis, prednisolone or dexamethasone acetate is additionally administered.

There is a non-commercial vaccine against toxoplasmosis for cats. It suppresses the excretion of oocysts with feces, thereby reducing the risk of infection for dogs as well. It is administered to healthy pets and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Owners who have both cats and dogs should consider increased safety measures to prevent cross-infection of toxoplasmosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main symptoms of toxoplasmosis in dogs?

Symptoms of toxoplasmosis may include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, shortness of breath, diarrhea, seizures, and ataxia.

Can you get toxoplasmosis from your own dog?

You can get toxoplasmosis from dogs, but the likelihood is lower than from cats. The main risk of transmission exists through contact with feces or raw meat.

How is toxoplasmosis diagnosed in dogs?

Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in dogs includes assessing clinical symptoms, serological tests, and positive dynamics during treatment.

What should you do if toxoplasmosis is suspected in a dog?

If toxoplasmosis is suspected, you should consult a veterinarian for necessary tests and diagnosis.

How can you prevent toxoplasmosis in dogs?

To prevent infection, it is essential to maintain hygiene, avoid contact with stray animals, wash the dog's paws, and feed them quality products.