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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #77060
Title: ENTERITIS ASSOCIATED WITH COCCIDIOSIS IN A GERMAN SHEPARD DOG

Author
item Dubey, Jitender
item THOMAZIN, K - AN HOSP NEWPORT HILLS, VA
item GARNER, M - PHOENIX CENTRAL LAB, WA

Submitted to: Canine Practice
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/6/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Coccidian parasites are single celled organisms that cause enteritis and mortality in livestock and sometimes in companion animals. They have an oral-fecal cycle. Animals become infected by ingesting infective oocysts from the environment contaminated by the host. Little is known of clinical coccidiosis in dogs. Scientists at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and Animal Hospital of Newport Hills, Washington State report clinical coccidiosis in an adult dog. The case presentation and treatment provided will be of interest to veterinarian and pet owners.

Technical Abstract: Coccidiosis associated with Isospora canis was diagnosed in a 10-month old German Shepard dog. The dog had diarrhea for several weeks. Exploratory laparotomy revealed an inflamed thick small intestine. Isospora canis - like schizonts and gamonts were seen in histologic sections of the small intestine and they were associated with infiltration of neutrophils and mononuclear cells. The dog was euthanized because of lack of response to treatment. The diagnosis of coccidiosis was confirmed by histologic examination of small intestine post mortem.