Spirocerca lupi infections in dogs on the island of Curaçao - A survey

Abstract

In August and September 2011, 157 dogs were examined for the presence of a Spirocerca lupi infection. A fecal sample was examined with the use of the standard Centrifugation Sedimentation Flotation (CSF)-method using a sugar solution. The slide was then examined systematically under the microscope. Also information on the dog, such as age, breed, gender, risk behaviours, treatments and preventative measures and clinical signs was gathered through a questionnaire. In this investigation a S. lupi prevalence was found of 10.2%. No association was found when looking at sex, reproductive state, being a shelter or domestic dog or geographical location of the dogs. However a significant association was found between the age group “1-3 years” and having an infection. A predisposition for large breeds might exist, but was not significantly proven in this investigation. No direct association was found when looking at the risk behaviours: eating raw meat, coprophagy and hunting. This does not mean that these behaviours are not important routes of infection. Also no effect on the infection rate was seen in the primary use of dogs, how and where they were kept and the use of a kennel. The use of insecticides did not prove to be effective in diminishing the risk. Also no association was seen between having an infection and the dewormingschedule or the use of Heartgard. The use of Ivomec however did seem to have some effect on the infection rate. Most of the Spirocerca lupi infections were subclinical. The signs observed in clinical cases were anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss.