Control of Canine Endoparasites, Especially Isospora spp., with Procox&reg in Naturally Infected Puppies: Parasitological, Bacteriological and Health Parameters

The effect of Procox (Bayer, emodepside/toltrazuril suspension for dogs) against natural infections with Isospora spp. was investigated. Two groups were treated either with 0.5 ml suspension/kg of body weight (0.45 mg emodepside and 9 mg toltrazuril/kg of body weight) in the 3, 5 and 7 week of life (w.o.l.) (Procox group; n = 28) or with a control anthelminthic (Dewormed Control group; n = 26). Animals were surveyed weekly from the 3 w.o.l. by coproscopy and clinical examination. Faecal samples were examined microbiologically from the 4 to the 8 w.o.l. and faecal inflammatory markers canine calprotectin and canine S100A12 were measured in the 8 w.o.l. Specific antibody titres were evaluated in serum samples from five litters before and after vaccination against canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus 2. The prevalence of Isospora-positive animals increased to 67% in the Dewormed Control group (n = 15 puppies from four parasite-positive litters), while in the Procox group (n = 15 puppies) it was less than 34% with significantly lower excretion (p < 0.01). Procox was easily applied and effective; adverse effects did not occur. The level of seroconversion or titre increase upon vaccination was higher in parasite-free animals (91%) compared to Procoxtreated puppies (30%) and the Control animals (10%). Animals from parasite-free litters showed significantly different excretion patterns for haemolytic Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens, while there was no difference between Procox-treated and Control animals. In some animals kept under poor hygienic conditions diarrhoea was noted in association with C. perfringens, E. coli or Salmonella. Concentrations of inflammatory markers in the faeces did not significantly differ between the Procox and the Control group. Adequate control of parasitic and bacterial infections in suckling puppies requires both antiparasitic treatment and hygiene. Even when parasites do not cause overt effects treatment is recommended in cases with a history of parasite infections.