Strongyloidiasis in Dogs
Strongyloidiasis is an intestinal infection with the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis (S. canis). Typically, only the female nematode will be present in the dog's intestinal lining, causing, among other things, severe diarrhea. S. stercoralis is relatively host-specific, but there is a potential for transmission to humans.
Symptoms and Types
- Inflammation of the skin, rash (dermatitis)
- Cough, bronchopneumonia
- Diarrhea or constipation, especially in newborn puppies
- Blood in stool
- Mucus in stool
There are several ways your dog may become infected with S. stercoralis, including skin penetration, ingestion of contaminated feces, and nursing from an infected bitch. There is an increased prevalence of stronglyoidiasis in kennels, especially when there is poor sanitation and high temperatures and humidity.
The challenge your veterinarian will face will be distinguishing the cause of the dog's symptoms, which may be due to several other parasites or bacteria or viruses. He or she may culture a sample of your dog's feces, or perform a colonoscopy on the animal to identify the infective agent.
A condition in which the skin becomes inflamed
A condition of the lungs and bronchi in which they become inflamed and congested.
A female dog that has not been spayed.
Usually used in veterinary medicine to refer to certain drugs that are designed to combat intestinal worms in animals.