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Toxocariasis (Toxocara spp.)
Infectious DiseaseParasiteCanineFelineNew
Key Points
  • Toxocariasis is infection with Toxocara spp. roundworms that most commonly affects puppies & kittens
  • Infection can occur via ingestion of embryonated eggs or infected paratenic hosts
    • In dogs, transmammary and transplacental infection can occur but transplacental doesn’t occur in cats and transmammary is rare
  • Clinical signs in young animals include pot-belly, poor growth, vomiting and diarrhoea
    • Adults are typically asymptomatic but they can shed eggs and contaminate the environment
  • Faecal flotation and coproantigen tests are key for diagnosis
  • Anthelmintics are used to treat infections
    • Don’t reliably target encysted larvae so repeat treatments are often required
  • Prevention focuses on prophylactic anthelmintic use, environmental hygiene and education of clients
  • Toxocara spp. are important ZOONOTIC parasites so effective veterinary control is key for protecting public health
Differential Diagnoses
  1. Hookworm disease (Ancyclostoma, Uncinaria)
  2. Coccidiosis
  3. Giardiasis
  4. Canine parvovirus
Overview
Aetiology
Clinical Signs
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Resources
Overview

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Aetiology

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Clinical Signs

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Prevention

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Resources

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Educational content only. This factsheet is for general veterinary education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Not for use in an emergency — contact a veterinarian or emergency service. Full disclaimer →