Intestinal Parasitic Infection (Strongyloidiasis) in Dogs

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

Causes

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.

Diagnosis

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.