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Cardiology1 paper

Infection by Neoascaris

Last edited: 4 h ago

Overview

Neoascaris infection, specifically neosporosis caused by Neospora caninum, primarily affects dogs, presenting with neurological and muscular symptoms including hindlimb paresis, ataxia, and muscle atrophy. 1

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Signs: Hindlimb paresis, ataxia, muscle atrophy, rigid hyperextension, forelimb ataxia, head tremors, sudden collapse due to myocarditis. 1
  • Serological Testing: Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) with titers ≥1:800 strongly suggests neosporosis; such high titers are rare in healthy dogs. 1
  • Imaging and Pathology: Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy can confirm the diagnosis, especially when clinical signs are consistent. 1

    • Management

  • First-Line Treatment: Antiprotozoal therapy including clindamycin, potentiated sulphonamides, and/or pyrimethamine. 1
  • Outcome: Ten out of sixteen treated dogs achieved full or functional recovery with appropriate treatment. 1

    • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Affected dogs ranged from two days to seven years old, indicating susceptibility across various age groups. 1
  • Comorbidities: No specific mention of comorbidities affecting treatment outcomes or disease presentation. 1

    • Key Recommendations

  • Confirm neosporosis diagnosis using serological testing with IFAT titers ≥1:800 and supported by clinical signs and imaging/pathology (Evidence: Moderate) 1
  • Initiate antiprotozoal treatment with clindamycin, potentiated sulphonamides, and/or pyrimethamine for confirmed cases (Evidence: Weak) 1
  • Monitor response to treatment closely, as recovery rates can vary; full or functional recovery is possible in a significant proportion of treated dogs (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1

    • References

    1 Barber JS, Trees AJ. Clinical aspects of 27 cases of neosporosis in dogs. The Veterinary record 1996. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Clinical aspects of 27 cases of neosporosis in dogs. — Barber JS, Trees AJ The Veterinary record (1996)

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