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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #98943
Title: CANINE NEOSPOROSIS AND THE POTENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF THE NEOSPORA CANINUM OOCYSTS FOR TRANSMISSION OF CATTLE

Author
item LINDSAY, DAVID - BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA
item Dubey, Jitender
item MCALLISTER, MILTON - URBANA, ILLINOIS

Submitted to: Compendium of Continuing Education
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/27/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Neosporosis is a protozoal disease caused by infection with the coccidian parasite, Neospora caninum. Severe neuromuscular disease occurs in transplacentally infected pups. Young dogs develop hind limb paresis that develops into a progressive paralysis. The hind limbs are more severely affected than the front limbs. The hind limbs of some dogs will be in rigid dhyperextension. Early recognition and treatment of neosporosis with clindamycin or pyrimethamine, combined with sulfonamide, can prevent death and hind limb paralysis. Neosporosis can also occur in adult dogs but its diagnosis is more difficult. Neospora caninum has a complex life cycle similar to Toxoplasma gondii. Dogs excrete oocysts of N. caninum in their feces. Abortion in dairy cows due to N. caninum infection is a worldwide production problem. Recognition that dogs play a role in transmission of the parasite to cows will lead to better preventive measures on dairy farms