Prevalence of Parasites among Dogs Undergoing Treatment at Polo Veterinary Clinic Jos, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Dogs roaming about are susceptible to parasites infestation and infection. Therefore, this study examined the prevalence of parasites among dogs undergoing treatment at Polo Veterinary Clinic Jos, North Central Nigeria between November, 2016 and April, 2017. The standard protocol for examination of parasites infection (blood and stool samples) and infestation was used. Of the 639 dogs examined only 82 (12.8%) were infected while 557 (87.2%) were uninfected. Therefore, difference highly varied (p<0.001). The three parasites recorded were protozoans, helminthesand arthropod groups. Protozoan’s infection across gender showed no significant variation (p>0.05) but varied significantly across age groups (p<0.05). However, the prevalence of helminth parasitesin relation to age groups did not vary (p>0.05). Arthropod prevalence in relation to age groups varied significantly (P < 0.05). The Alsatian breed is highly susceptible to arthropod infestation, protozoans and helminthes infections. To this end, some dogs had co-infections or mixed infections. Therefore, dogs allowed to roam by owners should be cleaned and dewormed over an interval of time and their cages be kept clean.