Estimation of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites in Hunting Dogs from the Area of Foothills of Olympus Mountain, Northern Greece

Abstract

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in hunting dogs from the area of foothills of Olympus Mountain was investigated through fecal examination, using a sedimentation method. From a total of 317 fecal samples collected, the following parasites were identified: Toxocara canis (10.4%), Ancylostomidae (9.8%), Dipylidium caninum (8.8%), Trichuris vulpis (4.7%), Taeniidae (1.9%), Toxascaris leonina (1.3%), Spirocerca lupi (0.6%) and Alaria alata (0.6%). This study has recorded, with respect to the age of the infected dogs, a significantly higher prevalence in young dogs infected with Toxocara canis, compared to adults, and a significantly higher prevalence in adults of the Trichuris vulpis and Dipilidium caninum infection (p<0.05). As regards gender, a significantly higher prevalence was recorded in female rather than male dogs infected with the nematode Toxocara canis (p<0.05)