A retrospective study of Uncinaria stenocephala in domestic dogs: Age, sex distribution, and risk factors.

Background and Aim Uncinaria infection often appears in domestic dogs. In the present study, parasitological examination of fecal samples from 782 dogs were analyzed for the presence of Uncinaria stenocephala. Materials and Methods Fecal samples were analyzed by means of a standardized flotation method using a saturated salt solution containing NaNO3 (specific gravity 1.38), with a centrifugation step. Results The highest prevalence rates were found among young adult dogs (8.3%), followed by puppies (5.4%); the lowest prevalence rates were found in dogs older than 3 years (4.3%). The prevalence was 5.8% among female dogs and 7.2% in male dogs. Coinfections with roundworms and protozoan parasites were frequently observed in U. stenocephala-positive dogs (15%). In total, three types of coinfections were registered. Coinfection of U. stenocephala + Sarcocystids oocysts was recorded in 19.1% of the dogs (n=10). This may relate to higher prevalence of S. oocysts in dogs (n=153; 19.5%). There were two cases of coinfection of U. stenocephala + Toxocara canis (3.9%), which may relate to low prevalence of T. canis (3.9 %). One case of coinfection of Dipylidium caninum+U. stenocephala (0.1%) also appeared. Conclusion The present study showed that male dogs and young dogs were most susceptible to U. stenocephala infection.