Gastrointestinal parasites in dogs – prevalence and deworming protocols in the district of Coimbra, Portugal

Infections by gastrointestinal parasites in domestic animals are very common worldwide, both in rural and urban areas. In addition to the pathogenic effects in the host, most of these parasites have a zoonotic nature, representing a potential risk to public health. Dog, being the animal which man has a closest relationship with, and as definitive host of various parasites, have an important role in the transmission of parasitic infections to people. Prevalence studies of gastrointestinal parasites are important not only in terms of overall prevalence, but also in terms of knowing the most common species in each geographical area. The concern of owners and veterinarians with the health and welfare of animals, as well with the zoonotic nature of these infections, have led to the implementation of regular deworming protocols. These protocols are often applied with wrong intervals, without first carried out coprology exams. There for, prevalence studies of gastrointestinal parasites facilitate the development of logical recommendations on the frequency of deworming and on the choice of drugs formulation to use, according to the parasites found in each region. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in owned dogs, and assess the need of deworming, determining the presence or absence of gastrointestinal parasites at the time of consult, by coprology exam. Samples were collected from dogs that underwent to prophylactic consults in two veterinary clinics in the district of Coimbra, Portugal. Individual questionnaires were completed for each animal, in order to gather dog’s characterization, management and deworming protocols information. Samples were processed through the Benchtop flotation procedure and McMaster modified technique for identification and counting of eggs and oocysts, respectively. A total of 77 fecal samples were taken. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 11.7% (n=9). The Ancylostomatidae family and the protozoon Cystoisospora spp. (C. canis and C. ...