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Enteropathogens in pups from pet shops and breeding facilities
S Dupont1, P Butaye, E Claerebout
1Department of Medicine and Clinical Biology of Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, B-9820, Belgium.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|August 7, 2013
Summary
Puppies from pet shops and breeding facilities often carry gastrointestinal pathogens like Toxocara canis and Giardia duodenalis. These infections can occur even without obvious signs of illness in young dogs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Canine Health
Background:
- Diarrhoea is a common issue in young puppies.
- The role of various enteropathogens in puppy diarrhoea is not fully understood.
- Puppies from commercial facilities may have increased exposure to pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess faecal and clinical scores in puppies.
- To identify enteropathogens (parasites, viruses, bacteria) in puppies aged 6-16 weeks.
- To investigate the link between enteropathogens and diarrhoea in puppies, regardless of their health status.
Main Methods:
- Puppies were sourced from pet shops and breeding facilities.
- Faecal and clinical scoring was performed.
- Standard isolation methods were used for parasite, virus, and bacteria detection.
- Multiplex PCR was used to identify virulence genes in Escherichia coli.
Main Results:
- Fifty-six puppies were studied; 18 had no diarrhoea.
- Common pathogens found included Toxocara canis (29/56), Giardia duodenalis (35/56), Cystoisospora (22/56), E. coli (47/56), and Clostridium perfringens (20/56).
- Pathogenic E. coli strains were identified in 4 samples; T. canis presence correlated significantly with faecal score.
Conclusions:
- Puppies from pet shops/breeding facilities face a high risk of gastrointestinal disease.
- Infectious agents can be present in puppies irrespective of clinical or faecal scores.
- The potential role of identified pathogenic E. coli strains in puppy diarrhoea requires further research.
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