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Strongyloidiasis (Intestinal Infection Caused by Threadworms, Strongyloides) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis

Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection in dogs caused by the threadworm Strongyloides stercoralis. This infection mainly affects the intestine and can lead to a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms.

The most important facts at a glance

Strongyloidiasis in dogs is caused by the microscopic threadworm Strongyloides stercoralis and occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. The infection is commonly observed in dogs living in crowded or unhygienic environments. The parasite enters the body through the skin or mucous membranes and develops further in the intestine. Symptoms include Cough, Diarrhea, skin rashes, and Weight loss. Diagnosis is made by microscopic examination of the stool to detect larvae, and in some cases by serological tests. Treatment includes antiparasitics such as Ivermectin and Fenbendazole, as well as measures to improve the dog’s living conditions to prevent re-infection. The prognosis is generally good if the infection is detected and treated early. Preventive measures include maintaining a clean environment, regular veterinary check-ups, and avoiding contact with contaminated materials. Research focuses on improving diagnostic procedures, developing new treatment strategies, and understanding the epidemiological spread of the disease. It is also being investigated to what extent dogs could serve as reservoir hosts for transmission to humans. These research approaches aim to improve the health of dogs and minimize the risk to humans.

Causes

Strongyloides stercoralis is a microscopic threadworm that occurs worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. The parasite can develop both in the soil and in the body of its host, in this case the dog. Reproduction is asexual, which allows for rapid spread of the infection.

The infection often occurs in dogs living in crowded or unhygienic environments, such as animal shelters or kennels. The larvae of the parasite enter the body through the skin or mucous membranes and then migrate to the intestine, where they develop and multiply.

Causes of the infection are often direct contact with contaminated soil or water, as well as contact with infected animals. In addition, transmission can occur through ingestion of larvae through the skin or through the consumption of contaminated materials. In some cases, transmission from the mother dog to the puppies can also occur via the mother’s milk.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

The symptoms of strongyloidiasis in dogs can vary, depending on the severity of the infection. In mild cases, dogs may remain asymptomatic, while severe infections can lead to a variety of gastrointestinal complaints.

The most common symptoms include Diarrhea, which is often watery or mucous, as well as Vomiting. Affected dogs may also show a loss of appetite, leading to Weight loss. In some cases, Abdominal pain and Flatulence may occur.

In severe infection, systemic disease may occur, characterized by symptoms such as Fever, lethargy, and dehydration. Young dogs and those with a weakened immune system are particularly at risk, as the parasite can cause severe health problems in these cases.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of strongyloidiasis is usually made by microscopic examination of the dog’s stool to detect larvae or eggs of the parasite. Multiple stool samples may be required because the excretion of larvae is not constant.

In some cases, a serological test can also be performed to detect antibodies against the parasite in the dog’s blood. These tests can help confirm an infection, especially if no larvae are found in the stool.

In addition to laboratory diagnostic procedures, the veterinarian can also perform a thorough clinical examination to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. A history of the dog, including information about its living conditions and contacts with other animals, is also helpful for the diagnosis.

Therapy

Treatment of strongyloidiasis in dogs is usually done with antiparasitics that are specifically effective against threadworms. Ivermectin and fenbendazole are commonly used medications that are usually administered for several days to kill all stages of the parasite.

In addition to drug treatment, it is important to improve the dog’s living environment to prevent re-infection. This may include regular cleaning and disinfection of the dog’s living area, as well as avoiding contact with potentially contaminated materials.

In severe cases, especially in dogs with systemic symptoms, supportive treatment may be necessary. This includes the administration of fluids to treat dehydration and, if necessary, the administration of medications to control Vomiting and Diarrhea.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with strongyloidiasis is generally good, especially if the infection is detected and treated early. Most dogs recover completely after appropriate antiparasitic therapy.

In more severe infections or in dogs with a weakened immune system, recovery may take longer and there is a higher risk of complications. In such cases, close monitoring by the veterinarian is necessary to ensure the success of the treatment.

An untreated infection can lead to chronic health problems and, in rare cases, can even be life-threatening, especially in young puppies or severely immunocompromised dogs.

Prevention

The prevention of strongyloidiasis includes several measures to minimize the risk of infection. One of the most important measures is to maintain a clean and hygienic environment for the dog. Regular cleaning and disinfection of kennels, sleeping areas, and feeding areas can prevent the spread of the parasite.

It is also important to avoid contact with potentially contaminated soils or water sources, especially in areas where strongyloidiasis is common. Dogs should not be left outside unattended to reduce the risk of infection.

Regular veterinary check-ups and stool examinations can help detect and treat an infection early before it develops into a serious health problem. In addition, the veterinarian may recommend preventive antiparasitic treatments, especially in high-risk areas or in dogs housed in communal facilities.

By combining these preventive measures with appropriate medical care, the risk of strongyloidiasis infection in dogs can be significantly reduced.

Outlook on current research

Research on strongyloidiasis in dogs is currently focused on several key areas, including improving diagnostic procedures, developing more effective treatment strategies, and understanding the epidemiological spread of this parasitic infection. A significant advance in diagnostics is the refinement of molecular techniques that allow the threadworm (Strongyloides stercoralis) to be identified in dog stool samples with greater precision. These techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are significantly more sensitive than conventional microscopic methods and can provide reliable results even at low parasite densities.

Another significant area of research is the development of new antiparasitics and treatment protocols to prevent resistance and increase treatment effectiveness. Scientists are investigating the effectiveness of various agents and their combinations to achieve the best treatment outcomes. In addition, there are studies on the possibility of vaccine development to establish preventive measures against this infection. The challenge here is to better understand the complex immune response of the host to the parasite.

Epidemiological research aims to map the occurrence and spread of strongyloidiasis in dogs in different regions of the world. It is believed that climate change and the increasing mobility of pets may contribute to the spread of this infection. Therefore, studies that address the ecological and social factors that contribute to the transmission of Strongyloides are crucial to better predict and control future outbreaks.

In addition, research is addressing the role of dogs as potential reservoir hosts for the transmission of Strongyloides to humans, particularly in regions with close cohabitation of humans and animals. These interdisciplinary studies are crucial to deepen the understanding of the zoonotic aspects of strongyloidiasis and to develop appropriate prevention measures.

Overall, current research aims to improve the health and well-being of dogs by minimizing the impact of strongyloidiasis, while also reducing the potential risks to humans. By combining advances in diagnostics, therapy, and epidemiology, scientists hope to significantly improve control over this parasitic disease.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is strongyloidiasis in dogs? Strongyloidiasis in dogs is an intestinal infection caused by threadworms of the genus Strongyloides. These parasites can nest in the intestinal lining and cause a variety of symptoms, including Diarrhea, Vomiting, and Weight loss.
How do dogs get infected with Strongyloides? Dogs can become infected through contact with contaminated soil, water, or feces. The larvae of Strongyloides can penetrate through the skin or be ingested orally. In some cases, the infection can also be transmitted from the mother to the puppies.
What symptoms do dogs with strongyloidiasis show? The most common symptoms include Diarrhea, Vomiting, Weight loss, loss of appetite, and weakness. In severe cases, Respiratory distress may also occur if the larvae migrate to the lungs.
How is strongyloidiasis diagnosed in dogs? Diagnosis is usually made by a stool examination, in which the larvae or eggs of the parasites are identified under the microscope. Modern molecular tests such as PCR can also be used to confirm the infection.
What treatment options are available for strongyloidiasis in dogs? Treatment usually includes antiparasitics that are specifically effective against Strongyloides. It is important to carry out the treatment according to the veterinarian’s instructions to ensure complete elimination of the parasites.
Can humans be infected by dogs with strongyloidiasis? There is a potential risk of zoonotic transmission, especially in areas with poor hygienic conditions. Humans can become infected through direct contact with contaminated soil or water.
How can the spread of strongyloidiasis in dogs be prevented? Good hygiene and regular deworming are crucial to prevent the spread of the infection. Dog owners should ensure that their pets do not have access to potentially contaminated soil or water.
Is there a way to vaccinate dogs against strongyloidiasis? Currently, there is no vaccine against strongyloidiasis in dogs. However, research is working on developing possible vaccination strategies to prevent future infections.
How common is strongyloidiasis in dogs? The prevalence of strongyloidiasis varies by region. In some tropical and subtropical areas, the infection may be more common, while it is less common in temperate climates.
What should dog owners do if they suspect their dog is infected? If a dog owner suspects that their dog is infected with Strongyloides, they should seek veterinary attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to protect the dog’s health and prevent the spread of the infection.

You can find an interesting overview of gastrointestinal problems in dogs, supplemented with information on the intestinal microbiome and the importance of probiotics, here: https://petsvetcheck.de/fachbeitrag/magen-darm-probleme-beim-hund/