Abstract
The effect of Procox? (Bayer, emodepside/toltrazuril suspension for dogs) against natural infections with Isospora spp. was investigated. Two groups were treated either with 0.5 ml suspension/kg of body weight (0.45 mg emodepside and 9 mg toltrazuril/kg of body weight) in the 3rd, 5th and 7th week of life (w.o.l.) (Procox? group; n = 28) or with a control anthelminthic (Dewormed Control group; n = 26). Animals were surveyed weekly from the 3rd w.o.l. by coproscopy and clinical examination. Faecal samples were examined microbiologically from the 4th to the 8th w.o.l. and faecal inflammatory markers canine calprotectin and canine S100A12 were measured in the 8th w.o.l. Specific antibody titres were evaluated in serum samples from five litters before and after vaccination against canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus 2. The prevalence of Isospora-positive animals increased to 67% in the Dewormed Control group (n = 15 puppies from four parasite-positive litters), while in the Procox? group (n = 15 puppies) it was less than 34% with significantly lower excretion (p ? was easily applied and effective; adverse effects did not occur. The level of seroconversion or titre increase upon vaccination was higher in parasite-free animals (91%) compared to Procox?-treated puppies (30%) and the Control animals (10%). Animals from parasite-free litters showed significantly different excretion patterns for haemolytic Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens, while there was no difference between Procox?-treated and Control animals. In some animals kept under poor hygienic conditions diarrhoea was noted in association with C. perfringens, E. coli or Salmonella. Concentrations of inflammatory markers in the faeces did not significantly differ between the Procox? and the Control group. Adequate control of parasitic and bacterial infections in suckling puppies requires both antiparasitic treatment and hygiene. Even when parasites do not cause overt effects treatment is recommended in cases with a history of parasite infections.
Highlights
Coccidia are important intestinal pathogens of puppies and heavy infections can lead to impaired development and poor health
54 puppies from seven litters were included in the study, and 272 faecal samples could be obtained during the examination period, 141 from Procox®-treated puppies, 131 from the Dewormed Control group (Table 1)
The dog breeders were aware of the impact of Toxocara infections and treated puppies routinely with Drontal® or Banminth® if they were in the Dewormed Control group
Summary
Coccidia are important intestinal pathogens of puppies and heavy infections can lead to impaired development and poor health. Canine intestinal coccidia belong to the genus Isospora and include Isospora canis, the more pathogenic species, and the Isospora ohioensis-complex embracing several species (Isospora ohioensis, Isospora burrowsi and Isospora neorivolta) that have morphologically indistinguishable oocysts [1]. Younger than 4 months [2]. They take place by ingestion of sporulated oocysts from the environment. Heavy infections can be lethal due to dehydration. After the endogenous development of Isospora is completed, oocysts are excreted with the faeces and sporulate in the environment within a few days [1]. Prepatent periods are 10 - 12 days for I. canis and 6 - 7 days for I. ohioensis-complex [2]
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