Toxoplasma

Background

Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent for toxoplasmosis which infects a wide range of mammalian species, including human beings. Cats are the definitive host for Toxoplama gondii and they can acquire the infection by ingesting any of the three infective stages of the parasite.

The ingested parasite invade cells of the small intestine. In dogs, a generalized infection may be established as the parasites travel throughout the body and invade tissue cells.

Clinical Signs

Clinical signs are rarely observed in dogs. When they occur, they can include:

• difficulty breathing
• fever
• coughing
• neurological dysfunction
• gastrointestinal disturbances
• sudden death

Treatment

There is no completely satisfactory treatment. Sulfa drugs are most commonly used.