The prevalence and taxonomy of Toxocara canis along with associated haemotological changes in naturally infected dogs

Toxocariasis is a common disease of carnivores throughout the world and is caused by Toxocara canis. The larvae of the parasite have been identified as the most frequent etiologic agent of visceral larva migrans, which is primarily a pediatric disease. In view of the zoonotic importance of the parasite, the present study was conducted to assess the incidence taxonomy of the species of the genus Toxocara and their effects on various blood parameters of the infected canines. For above purpose, samples were collected from dog hospital, the faecal and blood samples were stored in the refrigerator. Only those dogs which had high prevalence in Toxocara canis were examined by different faecal examination methods and were selected to get mature worms, after killing the dogs. Adopting the prescribed methods carried out preservation and clearing of worms. The taxonomy of the species of the genus Toxocara was studied with the help of morphological keys. The collective over all prevalence of different types of Toxocara canis recorded in stray and pet dogs was 39.5%. The species of Coxocara identified in our area were: Toxocara canis, and Toxocara Leonina. Blood of infected dogs were exposed to various haematological studies including Hb estimation, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC) and differential leukocyte count (DLC). Haematological examinations were made to compare the blood picture of healthy and infected clogs. For this purpose, blood samples each from healthy and infected dogs were examined. The results of haematological examination showed a significant decrease in haemoglobin estimation, total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume. Whereas a significant increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count, like neutrophils, eosinophils and very little increase in basophils was also see n .