Intestinal parasitic infections of dogs in the Nsukka area of Enugu State, Nigeria

The prevalence of intestinal parasites and eggs per gram of faeces (hookworm and roundworm only) were studied in relation to sex, age, breed, use and owner's social status in dogs in the Nsukka area, Nigeria. Prevalence was 68.5% (95% confidence interval, 62-75%), with those of individual parasites being Ancylostoma caninum 37.6%, Toxocara canis 31.5%, coccidia 18.3%, Dipylidium caninum 11.2%, Taenia hydatigena 9.1%, and Trichuris vulpis 3.6%. Concurrent infections with two or more parasites were recorded in 47% of the cases. All the factors except sex affected significantly (at least P < 0.05) the prevalence of Ancylostoma and Toxocara infections. Whereas no significant (P > 0.05) sex effect was found in Toxocara, prevalence of Ancylostoma was significantly(P < 0.05) more common in females than in males. Also significant social status (P < 0.01) and breed (P < 0.05) effects were associated with coccidian infection. Dipylidium caninum infection was of higher prevalence in dogs over 1 year of age than in those below 1 year of age (P < 0.05).