Prevalence of Canine Helminthosis and Anthelminthic Usage Pattern at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

H ELMINTHOSIS still a neglected disease, especially in developing countries, in spite of its economic and public health importance. A ten-year retrospective study on confirmed canine helminthosis cases presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Abeokuta, Nigeria was conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize animal signalment, infection severity, anthelminthic usage pattern and outcome. Relationships between dog/owner's profiles with the presence/absence of helminthic infection were determined using Pearson's and Wald Chi square and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Total number of case records was ninety-five; forty-five males and fifty females, ages ranged between 1 month to 9 years, with complete data and confirmed laboratory diagnosis were reviewed. At the univariate level, the odds of having helminths increased twice (COR = 2.172, 95% CI; 0.850 -5.504, p=0.098) in exotic breeds than indigenous ones. Likewise, the odds of infection in dogs owned by clients with high economic status increased almost three times (COR = 2.696, 95% CI; 0.966 -7.524, p=0.053) than those with low economic status. At multivariate level, the odds of helminthosis being present in dogs significantly reduced in dogs above 5 months of age (AOR = 0.219, 95% CI; 0. 071 -0.681, p=0.009). This study highlights associated clinical signs, variations in anthelminthic therapy, outcome, and the predisposing factors to resistance. Standardized approaches for collection, assessment, and risk management of helminthosis is needed.