Author
|
Submitted to: Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux International
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2013 Publication Date: 12/30/2013 Citation: Dubey, J.P. 2013. Neosporosis in dogs. Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux International. DOI:10.1079/pAVSNNR20138055. Interpretive Summary: Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii are single celled parasites that cause serious diseases in livestock. Although these are very closely related and were considered as the same organism until 1988, they are biologically distinct. Toxoplasma cycles through cats whereas N. caninum cycles through dogs. In the present paper the scientist, who discovered and named the parasite, Neospora caninum, discusses the biology of neosporosis in dogs. This paper will be of interest to veterinarians. Technical Abstract: Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite of animals. Until 1988, it was misdiagnosed as Toxoplasma gondii. Since its first recognition in 1984 and the description of a new genus and species Neospora caninum in 1988, neosporosis has emerged as a serious disease of dogs and cattle worldwide. Additionally, dog and other canids are the definitive hosts of the parasite that excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts in feces. Neosporosis is a crippling disease of dogs, predominantly of Labradors. Currently available medicines do not eradicate the parasite from the body and some dogs die even after prolonged treatment. This paper reviews information on the life cycle, biology, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and control of neosporosis in dogs. |
