Neosporosis (Polysystemic Infectious Diseases) Flashcards
1
Q
What is the agent that causes neosporosis?
A
Coccidian Neospora caninum
2
Q
What species is affected by neosporosis?
A
- Dogs are the definitive host (intestinal cycle only in dogs)
- Most commonly occur in cattle and dogs
3
Q
How is neosporosis transmitted?
A
Similar to toxoplasmosis
- Ingestion of cysts in infected animal tissues (important in dogs)
- Ingestion of oocysts shed in dog feces
- Transplacental (congenital)
4
Q
What are 2 main systems in the body that neosporosis affects?
A
- Neurological
- Muscular
5
Q
What are the clinical signs of neosporosis in young dogs (< 6 months)?
A
- Ascending paralysis
- Gradual muscle atrophy
- Stiffness of pelvic limbs
- Dysphagia
- Ataxia
6
Q
What are the clinical signs of neosporosis in old dogs?
A
Similar to toxoplasmosis
- Vague signs
- CNS signs (seizures, tremors)
- Polymyositis
- Myocarditis
7
Q
What lab work changes will you see in a patient with neosporosis?
A
- Chemistry: increased CK and AST
- CSF: slight increase in protein and cell count (mostly small mononuclear cells)
8
Q
What is the best way to diagnose neosporosis?
A
- Serology
- IgG titer > 1:200 (minimal cross-reactivity with T. gondii)
- CSF titers may be high in cases with CNS signs
- Demonstration of the organism in CSF or tissues (RARE)
9
Q
How do you treat neosporosis?
A
- Supportive therapy + antimicrobials
- Clindamycin
- Sulfonamide + trimethoprim + pyrimethamine
10
Q
How can neosporosis be prevented?
A
- Bitches that whelped affected puppies should not be bred
- AVOID glucocorticoids in seropositive dogs (can get reinfection from immunosuppression)
- Prevent dogs and cattle from intermingling
