A retrospective study of Uncinaria stenocephala in domestic dogs: Age, sex distribution, and risk factors

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Uncinaria infection often appears in domestic dogs. In the present study, parasitological examination of fecal samples from 782 dogs were analyzed for the presence of Uncinaria stenocephala. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fecal samples were analyzed by means of a standardized flotation method using a saturated salt solution containing NaNO(3) (specific gravity 1.38), with a centrifugation step. RESULTS: The highest prevalence rates were found among young adult dogs (8.3%), followed by puppies (5.4%); the lowest prevalence rates were found in dogs older than 3 years (4.3%). The prevalence was 5.8% among female dogs and 7.2% in male dogs. Coinfections with roundworms and protozoan parasites were frequently observed in U. stenocephala-positive dogs (15%). In total, three types of coinfections were registered. Coinfection of U. stenocephala + Sarcocystids oocysts was recorded in 19.1% of the dogs (n=10). This may relate to higher prevalence of S. oocysts in dogs (n=153; 19.5%). There were two cases of coinfection of U. stenocephala + Toxocara canis (3.9%), which may relate to low prevalence of T. canis (3.9 %). One case of coinfection of Dipylidium caninum + U. stenocephala (0.1%) also appeared. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that male dogs and young dogs were most susceptible to U. stenocephala infection.