Parasitic diseases of dogs in the urban population

Abstract

Helminthiases induced by parasitic helminths persist as a significant concern within the realm of veterinary medicine, particularly in relation to animal health in Ukraine. The objective of this investigation was to ascertain the prevalence of parasitic diseases in canines attributable to helminths and protozoa within the urban locality of Kamianets-Podilskyi, situated in the Khmelnytskyi region. The subjects encompassed in this research included service dogs, domestic canines, and stray dogs from Kamianets-Podilskyi. A total of five helminth species and one protozoan species were identified among the canine population: one species classified within the class Cestoda (Dipylidium caninum – 15.6 %); four species classified within the class Nematoda (Toxocara canis – 40 %, Toxascaris leonina – 15.1 %, Ancylostoma caninum – 4.8 %, Dirofilaria repens – 2.4 %); alongside one protozoan species (Giardia spp. – 13.4 %). In 17.4 % of the affected canines, instances of mixed and polyparasitic invasions were documented. The most prevalent combinations included the co-infection of ancylostomiasis and toxocariasis (9.7 %), dipylidiosis alongside toxocariasis (12.9 %), and in certain canines, three or more components of parasitocenosis were identified. Protozoa were frequently detected in conjunction with helminths (26 %). The highest prevalence of infection was noted amongst stray canines. The findings of this study elucidated that the predominant infections within the canine population were toxocariasis, toxascaridosis, and dipylidiosis, whereas ancylostomiasis, dirofilariasis, and giardiasis exhibited lower prevalence rates. In puppies (up to 6 months), occurrences of toxocara and ancylostoma were recorded with greater frequency. In young dogs (6 months to 2 years), strongyloides and cestodes were additionally noted. Adult dogs (2–7 years) and senior dogs (over 7 years) exhibited infections with toxocara, ancylostoma, cestodes, and dirofilaria. Based on the findings of this research, it can be inferred that female canines, with an infection rate of 55.1 %, exhibited a higher prevalence of helminth infections in comparison to males, who demonstrated an infection rate of 44.9 %. Mitigating the dissemination of helminthiases should primarily entail the implementation of stringent hygiene protocols for domestic canines, regular deworming in accordance with the recommendations of qualified veterinarians, a reduction in the population of stray animals, and prompt examination and treatment of afflicted animals.