Correlation between deworming history and patent infections with enteric helminths in cats

Abstract

The correlation between deworming history and patent infections with enteric helminths and protozoa was studied in cats in the Netherlands. Faecal samples of 372 cats (household cats and cats living in catteries) were examined on endoparasites with the Baermann and CSF-technique. 28 cats were tested positive (7,5%), of which most were infected with Giardia intestinalis (2,4%). Isospora spp. (1,9%), Toxocara cati (1,6%), Sarcocystis spp. (0,8%), Capillaria aerophila (0,8%), Cystoisospora spp. (0,3%), Toxoplasma gondii (0,3%), Opisthorchis felineus (0,3%), Toxascaris leonina (0,3%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (0,3%) and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (0,5%) were found as well. Questionnaires were answered by cat owners. This included questions concerning the practiced deworming schedule, duration of activity of an anthelmintic and motivation and reason for deworming. Most cat owners dewormed their cat two or three times a year (35,1%), while 26,9% followed no specific deworming schedule at all. 46,2% of the cat owners thought the duration of activity of an anthelmintic was two or three months. The motivation for deworming was stimulated by the advice of the veterinarian for 36,8% of the owners. The cat’s health was by far the most answered reason for deworming (84,0%), while 12,0% dewormed because of the public’s health. The only correlation that was found was the correlation between deworming more than four times a year and more infection with enteric helminths. It was also found that the other correlations, like the last time of deworming and infection and use of a specific anthelmintic and infection, did not exist.