A parasite linked to cats may also threaten dogs' eyesight, researchers find
A parasitic infection commonly associated with cats may be associated with severe, potentially sight-threatening ocular disease in dogs, according to a new study by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered that the parasitic infection, Toxoplasma gondii, commonly associated with cats, may also cause severe eye disease in dogs. The study, published in Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports, examined five dogs with unexplained eye inflammation found to have positive blood tests for the parasite's antibodies.
The disease's severity ranged from mild inflammation to retinal detachment and irreversible blindness. In one case, a 6-year-old dog developed irreversible blindness and glaucoma, which required surgical removal of the affected eye. Another dog, initially blind in both eyes, regained vision after treatment, though lasting retinal changes were noted.
One unusual finding was severe eyelid inflammation, known as blepharitis, in an 8-year-old Weimaraner following an episode of ocular inflammation, though this was the first reported association between severe blepharitis and ocular toxoplasmosis in dogs. Five of the dogs showed improvement with systemic clindamycin therapy and ocular inflammation control, but two dogs experienced recurrent ocular inflammation despite prolonged treatment.
The researchers suggest that the parasite is underrecognized in dogs and that veterinarians should consider toxoplasmosis when treating dogs with unexplained ocular inflammation, especially those with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems.
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