Risk factors for endoparasitism in dogs: retrospective case-control study of 6578 veterinary teaching hospital cases

Objectives The diagnostic utility of routine faecal examinations can be greatly enhanced through an appreciation of risk factors most commonly associated with endoparasitism. Methods From a sample of 6578 canine patients presenting to a veterinary teaching hospital between 1996 and 2006, this study used univariate and multi-variable techniques to examine putative signalment, medical history and demographic factors predisposing dogs to intestinal parasites. Results Age and median household income were the strongest predictors of endoparasitism. The odds of a patient being diagnosed with endoparasites were 0 center dot 82 times smaller for every 1 year increase in age (OR=0 center dot 82, 95% CI: 0 center dot 80 to 0 center dot 84) and for every $10,000 increase in median household income, the odds were 0 center dot 86 times lower (OR=0 center dot 86, 95% CI: 0 center dot 83 to 0 center dot 89). The variables gender, neuter status, month of diagnosis, admitting clinical service and primary diagnosis were not significant predictors. Animals that were presented for underlying medical conditions were less likely to have parasites and the presence of diarrhoea was associated with 76% lower odds of endoparasitism compared to healthy animals (OR=0 center dot 76, 95% CI: 0 center dot 64 to 0 center dot 90). Clinical Significance Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for parasites in younger patients that live in high population density and low income neighbourhoods.