19/11/2019 Toxoplasmosis in Dogs - Dog Owners - Veterinary Manual

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Toxoplasmosis in Dogs
By J. P. Dubey , MVSc, PhD, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, USDA

Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite that infects humans and other warmblooded
animals. It is found worldwide.
Felines (members of the cat family) are the only definitive hosts of the parasite. (A definitive host is an animal that a
parasite requires in order to mature normally.) Both wild and domestic catsserve as the main reservoir of infection. In
dogs, a generalized infection may occur as the parasites travel through the body and invade the tissues.
Adult animals with vigorous immune systems control the spread of the parasite efficiently; therefore, toxoplasmosis
usually causes no signs in healthy dogs. However, in puppies, the parasites may spread throughout the body. Signs of
infection include fever, diarrhea, cough, difficulty breathing, jaundice, seizures, and death. Adult animals with
weakened immune systems are extremely susceptible to developing sudden, generalized toxoplasmosis.
In many cases, treatment is not necessary. If warranted, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics to treat
toxoplasmosis. Anticonvulsant medications may be used to control seizures. Fluids or other medication given by
intravenous injection may be necessary for animals that are dehydrated or severely debilitated due to the infection.
Transmission of toxoplasmosis to people is an important problem. In some areas of the world, as much as 60% of the
human population has antibodies to the organism and are likely to be persistently infected. Toxoplasmosis is a major
concern for people with weakened immune systems. In these individuals, toxoplasmosis usually affects the nervous
system and results from the emergence of T gondii from tissue cysts located in the brain as immunity wanes rather
than from primary T gondii infection. Toxoplasmosis is also a concern for pregnant women because the organism can
migrate across the placenta and cause birth defects. Infection may occur after eating undercooked meat or accidental
consumption of cysts from cat feces. To prevent infection, people handling meat should wash their hands thoroughly
with soap and water after contact, and also thoroughly wash all cutting boards, sink tops, knives, and other materials.
The organism present in meat is killed by contact with soap and water. They can also be killed by exposure to extreme
cold or heat. Tissue cysts in meat are killed by heating the meat throughout to 67°C (152.6°F) or by cooling to −13°C
(8.6°F). Toxoplasma in tissue cysts are also killed by exposure to gamma irradiation. Meat of any animal should be
cooked to 67°C (152.6°F) before consumption, and tasting meat while cooking or while seasoning should be avoided.
Pregnant women should avoid contact with cat litter, soil, and raw meat. Pet cats should be fed only dry, canned, or
cooked food. The cat litter box should be emptied daily, preferably not by a pregnant woman. Gloves should be worn
while gardening. Vegetables should be washed thoroughly before eating, because they may have been contaminated
with cat feces.
Also see professional content regarding toxoplasmosis.

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