Dog Protozoal Diseases

Protozoal diseases are caused by protozoans, a term Scientist referring to a unicellular heterotrophic protist, such as an amoeba or a ciliate that are causing parasitic infectious diseases on mammals. Protozoa can reproduce and colonize on host body and can lead which lead to severe infections. There are microscopic, single-cell parasites that live in water, soil, and the feces of infected animals and invade canine digestive systems and blood streams.
Protozoa parasites can be transmitted in many ways, knowing and alerting ourselves with the causes and sources of these diseases with keep our dog and us from these diseases.

Giardiasis. Giardiasis or Giardia is caused by a flagellated protozoan parasites called Giardia Lamblia. These diarrhea-causing protozoans colonize and reproduces in the small intestine and affects the digestive tracts of dogs. The parasite attaches itself to the lining of the small intestines in dogs, human and other mammals, where it sabotages the body's absorption of fats and carbohydrates from digested foods. It attaches to the cells of the intestine with its adhesive disc and rapidly divides to produce a whole population of trophozoites. Contaminated water and feces are the most likely source of this parasite. There are number of drugs to treat Giardia like Flagyl, Neftin, Tinadazole, Panacur, Valbazen and many other being formulated. Keeping our dogs away from foul water is the best way to prevent the disease.

Coccidiosis. The microscopic, spore-forming, single-celled parasites called coccidia (Isospora is the most common) which infect the intestinal tracts of animals, and are the largest group of apicomplexan protozoa. The disease spreads from one animal to another by contact with infected feces or ingestion of infected tissue. Diarrhea, which may become bloody in severe cases, is the primary symptom. Most animals infected with coccidia are asymptomatic; however, young or immuno-compromised animals may suffer severe symptoms, including death. Vet uses low-powered microscopic examination for affected dogs and administer/prescribe drugs to reduce or eliminate dog's immune system to some level and make his own progress against the coccidia infection.

Leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is caused by diphasic protozoa of the genus Leishmania infantrum and Viannia. The disease was mostly transmitted tiny insect (female phlebotomidae), when he happens to be contaminated, he may develop a lesion at the inoculation point (cutaneous leishmaniasis), or an internal disease, called "Kala-Azar", inducing the enlargement of the spleen and the liver. It can be fatal if not treated. Generally, the treatment consists in series of injections of GlucantimeND. Several insecticides can also be used: they will be applied on the dog, insisting on the nose area which is a risky spot.

Babesiosis. Babesiosis is a malaria-like parasitic disease caused by Babesia, a genus of protozoal piroplasms. They are microscopic blood parasites are spread from dog to dog by tick bites(releasing Babesia sporozoites), and they have been causing red blood cell destruction in their canine hosts all over the world. The disease causes anemia (lack of red blood cells) and symptoms include weakness, jaundice, fever, red or orange colored urine. Thre are injections like Imidocarb diproprionate or Dimenazene aceturate to treat the disease, but current chemotherapeutic agents used to treat canine babesiosis are incapable of completely eliminating the disease; they only are capable of limiting mortality and the severity of clinical signs. Supportive therapy such as intravenous fluids and blood transfusions should be employed when necessary. Female dogs testing positive for Babesia should not be bred.

Neosporosis. Neospora caninum is a coccidian parasite that had been confused with T. gondii. Neosporosis is a parasite that most dogs get while still in the womb of his mother. Most common noticeable condition is when a puppy isn’t thriving and has difficulty coordinating movements. Symptoms of this condition may include inflammation of the skin, tremors and seizures. In addition, a dog may seem disinterested in eating because it causes pain. can be transmitted repeatedly through successive litters and litters of their progeny. This should be considered when planning the breeding of Neospora-infected bitches. Dogs should not be fed uncooked meat, especially beef. There is no vaccine to combat neosporosis. No drugs are known to prevent transplacental transmission.