As a responsible dog owner, your dog's health is a top priority. Understanding what potential infections may damage your dog's health is essential to keeping them safe and happy. One infection every dog owner should be aware of is Canine Amebiasis - a parasitic disease where dogs can be infected in various ways. This guide will help you spot symptoms, the methods used to spread the infection, and what you should do should your dog be affected.
What is Canine Amebiasis?
Canine Amebiasis is an infection caused by small parasites called amoebas. These parasites live in water, soil and contaminated food so once they enter your dog's body, they can lead to illness. There are two types of amoebas which can infect your dog:
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Entamoeba histolytica
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Acanthamoeba
Each type can lead to serious health difficulties if not treated. This infection generally affects the intestines, but may also spread to other organ systems.
Symptoms and Types
Understanding symptoms will help you identify the infection earlier. Symptoms may therefore differ depending on which type of amoeba is involved:
Entamoeba histolytica
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Diarrhea (possibly bloody or with mucus)
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Weight loss
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Abdominal discomfort
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Lethargy (low energy)
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Vomiting
Acanthamoeba
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Eye infections (redness, swelling, discharge)
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Skin sores or ulcers
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Neurological signs (rare but serious) such as seizures or balance problems
If you see any of these signs, you better talk to your vet immediately.
Causes and Transmission
Ameba infections usually happen when dogs come in contact with contaminated water, soil, food, or something they lick. Here are some common modes of transmission:
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Drinking or swimming in stagnant or dirty water.
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Eating contaminated food or licking dirty surfaces.
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Having close contact with infected animals or stool.
At-risk dogs will have weaker immune systems, young pups and dogs living in unsanitary conditions.
Diagnosis
If your vet believes your dog has an ameba infection, the vet will run some tests to determine for sure, including:
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Blood tests to evaluate infection markers.
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Fecal exams to identify amoebas and/or eggs in your dog's stool.
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Your veterinarian may want to run imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasound if they suspect internal organs may be affected by the infection.
By determining which infection is affecting your dog, the vet will decide on the best treatment plan.
Treatment and Prognosis
The good news is: Canine Amebiasis can, in most cases, be treated successfully when caught early. Treatments commonly include:
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Prescription medications for the dog. The most common is metronidazole, which targets the parasites.
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Supportive care which may include hydration and nutrition, to support the dog following treatment.
It is critical that veterinarians treat the disease early to ensure dogs do not incur unforeseen complications. If she follows up promptly, her doctor will probably recover. When left untreated, parasites can induce debilitating health complications.
When to See Your Veterinarian
If your dog shows any of the symptoms or behaviors above, you will want to consider intervention. Protecting your dog's health through early treatment is the best way to go. Remember, veterinarians want to foster a partner relationship with you to protect your furry friend from infections like amebiasis.
