If you’ve never heard of toxoplasmosis, you are not alone. While it is a serious threat, fortunately it is not one of the most common diseases to infect dogs.
Toxoplasmosis is caused by a single-celled protozoan known as toxoplasma gondii, which is said to be the world’s most successful parasite. Unfortunately, toxoplasmosis is zoonotic, which means that it can be transmitted to humans. Pregnant women must be especially careful because the disease can lead to the spontaneous abortion of a fetus. It is best if pregnant women refrain from cleaning out the cat litter box.
Animals – humans included – that consume raw meat and those that have compromised immune systems are at a greater risk of contacting toxoplasmosis, which can affect any of the body’s organ systems. However, it primarily affects the lungs, central nervous system and the eyes.
Toxoplasmosis is transmitted through the feces of wild and domesticated cats. In fact, cats are the only animals that transmit the protozoan. Insects such as cockroaches and flies are thought to be the intermediate hosts for the disease.
The symptoms of toxoplasmosis are nonspecific and include fever, loss of appetite and depression. Depending on the location of the infection in the body or whether or not the infection is acute or chronic, toxoplasmosis can cause inflammation of the eyes; pneumonia in the lungs; arrhythmia of the heart; vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and jaundice in the digestive tract; seizures, paralysis and loss of nerve function in the nervous system; and a stiff gait along with loss of muscle.
Dogs contact toxoplasma gondii, which can survive for several years in the environment, by ingesting infected animals, eating raw meat and consuming fresh cat feces. They can also get the disease raw goat’s mill. On rare occasions a dog may become infected by toxoplasmosis through blood transfusions.
Diagnosing toxoplasmosis requires a visit – or several – to the veterinarian. It is done by measuring the antibodies to the organism. Most veterinarians will conduct diagnostic tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) workup, fecal examinations, biochemistry profiles, eye examinations, chest x-rays, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, chest and abdomen fluid analysis and other testing for antibodies and antigens.
Clindamycin, an antibiotic, is the treatment of choice for dogs infected with toxoplasmosis. Treatment may take anywhere from 14 days to 21 days. Other antibiotics that are sometimes used include trimethoprim-sulfonamide, which is sometimes combined with pyrimethamine. Severely ill dogs may require intravenous fluids.
There is no guarantee that a dog suffering from toxoplasmosis will be totally cured. About 60 percent of all pets with toxoplasmosis recover with treatment. Recovery is less likely for young animals and those suffering from severe suppression of their immune systems.
Unfortunately, the single-celled parasites are resistant to most disinfectants, but there are a few things you can do to help keep you and your dog safe. Do not feed raw meat, entrails or bones because these can contain toxoplasma cysts. Secure trashcan lids so your dog cannot rummage through the garbage. Promptly remove all carcasses of dead birds or rodents before you dog finds them. Do not feed unpastueurized goat’s milk or other dairy products. If you have a cat, remove feces and clean the litter box every day. Regular use of boiling water is recommended for thorough cleanings. Do not allow your dog access to the cat litter box. Monitor your dog while he or she plays outdoors so that they cannot consume wild animals that may be infected with toxoplasmosis.
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