Neosporosis in Dogs
- Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Dogs
- Introduction to Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Dogs
- Congenital and Inherited Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Dogs
- Actinobacillosis in Dogs
- Actinomycosis in Dogs
- Amyloidosis in Dogs
- Anthrax in Dogs
- Botulism in Dogs
- Canine Distemper (Hardpad Disease)
- Canine Herpesvirus
- Ehrlichiosis and Related Infections in Dogs
- Enterotoxemia in Dogs
- Fungal Infections in Dogs
- Glanders (Farcy) in Dogs
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis
- Leishmaniosis (Visceral Leishmaniasis) in Dogs
- Leptospirosis in Dogs
- Lyme Disease (Lyme Borreliosis) in Dogs
- Melioidosis in Dogs
- Neosporosis in Dogs
- Nocardiosis in Dogs
- Peritonitis in Dogs
- Plague in Dogs
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Tick Fever) in Dogs
- Salmon Poisoning Disease and Elokomin Fluke Fever in Dogs
- Tetanus in Dogs
- Toxoplasmosis in Dogs
- Trichinellosis (Trichinosis) in Dogs
- Tuberculosis in Dogs
- Tularemia (Rabbit Fever) in Dogs
Also see professional content regarding neosporosis.
Neosporosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum. Neosporosis has been recognized in dogs, cattle, horses, and other animals, but the dog is the definitive host. Infection is uncommon but can be acquired by ingesting contaminated food and water, or ingesting infected tissues. It may also be transferred from a mother to a fetus still in the womb (transplacentally).
Both puppies and older dogs may be affected. Most severe infections occur in young puppies, which typically develop paralysis of the legs, particularly the hind legs. The paralysis is often progressive and results in rigid contracture of the muscles. In some dogs, only neurologic signs (such as inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) are seen. Disease of the peripheral nerves and spinal nerve roots appears typical of neosporosis. Skin inflammation with sores, inflammation of the liver, pneumonia, and inflammation of the brain may also occur. If not treated promptly, death is likely.
Your veterinarian will recommend proper antibiotic treatment. There is currently no vaccine.
Resources In This Article
- Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Dogs
- Introduction to Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Dogs
- Congenital and Inherited Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Dogs
- Actinobacillosis in Dogs
- Actinomycosis in Dogs
- Amyloidosis in Dogs
- Anthrax in Dogs
- Botulism in Dogs
- Canine Distemper (Hardpad Disease)
- Canine Herpesvirus
- Ehrlichiosis and Related Infections in Dogs
- Enterotoxemia in Dogs
- Fungal Infections in Dogs
- Glanders (Farcy) in Dogs
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis
- Leishmaniosis (Visceral Leishmaniasis) in Dogs
- Leptospirosis in Dogs
- Lyme Disease (Lyme Borreliosis) in Dogs
- Melioidosis in Dogs
- Neosporosis in Dogs
- Nocardiosis in Dogs
- Peritonitis in Dogs
- Plague in Dogs
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Tick Fever) in Dogs
- Salmon Poisoning Disease and Elokomin Fluke Fever in Dogs
- Tetanus in Dogs
- Toxoplasmosis in Dogs
- Trichinellosis (Trichinosis) in Dogs
- Tuberculosis in Dogs
- Tularemia (Rabbit Fever) in Dogs