DETECTION OF BLOOD PROTOZOA IN PET DOGS IN NINEVEH PROVINCE

Abstract

Through out this study we collected 54 blood samples from the cephalic vein of dogs. They were all obtained from indoor breeding from both sexes and were of different ages and different breeds. Blood smears were prepared, stained with Giemsa stain and examined under the light microscope to detect blood parasites. The result of clinical examination of dogs showed different clinical signs which included nervous signs, weakness, haemglobinurea and Enlargement of lymph nodes, whereas others did not show any clinical signs. The clinical signs combined with presence of blood protozoa which included Babesia gibsoni, B.canis, Trypanosoma evansi, Hepatozoon canis, the high infection rate was recorded in Babesia (31.4%); while the lowest infection rate was recorded in Trypanosoma evansi (11.2%) Our results detected Hepatozoon canis in dogs (20.3%), Some cases showed mixed infection with Trypanosoma evansi and Hepatozoon canis. A higher infection rate was found in older age with a significance of variance p <0.05) and large breeds showed higher infection rate than small breeds. We conclude that the pet dogs recorded high infective rate with blood protozoa and recommended the owner to use antiprotozoal drugs and ectoparasites spots and test the animal periodically in veterinary clinic to identify the infection early. In conclusion, a high rate of infection with blood parasites was found in pet dogs. Vegular testing and routine treatment program of with antiprotozoal drugs and anti-parasitic drugs should be used a control measure.