Neospora caninum is a parasite that can affect dogs and may lead to spontaneous abortion in female pets and can be dangerous for puppies. The coccidian parasite has been discovered in the late 1980s and before being identified as a distinct species of parasite, it was believed to be Toxoplasma gondii. However, unlike toxoplasmosis, neosporosis is not contagious to humans.
Causes of Neosporosis
Neospora caninum is a species of parasite. The coccidian parasite can cause a disease known as neosporosis, which can affect dogs and other livestock. The parasite penetrates cells and rapidly spreads in the body of the host. The affected cells will have a modified vacuole and through it, the parasite will feed on the nutrients of the host. The parasites will produce cysts, which will be eliminated in the feces and can infect other animals. If these cysts get into water, sand or soil, these will be potential sources of infection.
Puppies and dogs that are affected by distemper or other viral infections are more likely to be infected with the neospora caninum parasite.
Symptoms of Neospora Caninum
Many dogs infected with neospora caninum become carriers of the parasite, but will never show any symptoms. However, puppies, senior dogs and other weaker pets will show a series of symptoms such as:
- Dermatitis
- Skin ulcers
- Spontaneous abortion in pregnant dogs
- Pneumonia
- Liver damage
In severe cases, the central nervous system may be affected and the dog will display several symptoms including:
- Shaking
- Slower reactions
- Muscle weakness
- Confusion
- Changes in behavior
- Walking in circles
- Impaired vision or blindness
- Limb paralysis
The infection may be deadly in some dogs, especially if the central nervous system is affected. The symptoms of neosporosis are similar to rabies and distemper, so diagnosis is necessary.
Diagnosing Neospora Caninum in Dogs
Often, neosporosis is mistaken for toxoplasmosis, which is a rare parasitic infection. The parasites causing toxoplasmosis have a similar structure to neospora caninum. Blood tests will be run to establish if the dog has neosporosis.
Treatment Options for Dogs with Neospora Canimum
The parasite is difficult to destroy, since it is protected by a resistant vacuole in the affected cells. Vets will typically administer toxoplasmosis treatment (e.g. antimalaric medication or antibiotics), but often, these won’t prevent complications that affect the nervous system. Not all antibiotics are effective in eliminating neospora caninum, so the vet may test several drugs.
Neospora Canimum Prevention
The neospora caninum parasites may be transmitted through the ingestion of feces from other animals that have neosporosis. Consequently, your dog should avoid contact with infected animals and if there are other infected animals in the dog’s environment, you have to make sure you clean thoroughly.
The neospora cysts may also reach water or soil, so make sure you provide plenty of fresh water to your pet and train him not to ingest non food items. Keep an eye on your dog whenever you take a walk.
Avoid feeding raw meat or milk that is not pasteurized.