Comparative studies on the infestation of three different breeds of dogs by gastro-intestinal helminths.

The findings of an investigation mounted to evaluate and compare the prevalence of parasitic gastro-intestinal helminth ova in three different breeds of dogs in Calabar, Nigeria are presented. Results of the investigation indicate that in Alsatians, 25% infestation with Strongyloides stercoralis, 25% Toxocara canis, 65% Ancylostoma caninum were found, in crossbreed between Alsatian and Mongrel, 15.56% infestation with Strongyloides stercoralis, 10.93% Toxascaris leonina, 25% Toxocara canis, 68.75% Ancylostoma caninum, 1.66% Dipylidium caninum were recorded while 15.88% infestation with Strongyloides stercoralis, 7.64% Toxocara leonina, 25.86% Toxocara canis, 77.64% Ancylostoma caninum, 2.25% Dipylidium caninum, 0.58% Trichuris vulpis, 1.17% Echinococcus granulosus, 0.58% Taenia ovis, 1.17% Taenia hydatigena and 21% coccidia oocyst were observed in Mongrel dogs. Possible factors responsible for this variation in degree of infestation are suggested and strategic prophylactic anthelmintic medication during early wet season or late dry season is recommended.