Associate Professor of Parasitology Louisiana State University
There are several parasitic infections which are being encountered with greater frequency in dogs whether because of the spread of their vectors or intermediate hosts or because veterinarians are screening more often for them. These include Heterobilharzia americana, where dogs may present with gastrointestinal signs similar to several other more common conditions, Trypanosoma cruzi, which may affect the heart, Echinococcus spp., which are non-pathogenic in dogs but are of considerable zoonotic concern, and recurring problems with Giardia. With the re-emergence of the New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominovorax, in areas of North America from which it was eradicated, it would also be wise to refresh our memories about this parasitic fly.
