Prevalence of Enteropathogens in Dogs Attending 3 Regional Dog Parks in Northern California

Hascall, K.L.; Kass, P.H.; Saksen, J.; Ahlmann, A.; Scorza, A.V.; Lappin, M.R.; Marks, S.L.

In conclusion, dogs diagnosed with ≥1 enteropathogens were significantly more likely to have an increased fecal score compared to noninfected dogs; however, most infections were not associated with any specific dog characteristics or risk factors apart from young age. The lack of specific risk factors is similar to the findings of a study that determined the prevalence of enteropathogens in 100 dogs (50 dogs with normal feces and 50 dogs with diarrhea) at an open-admission municipal animal shelter in Florida. 33 Zoonotic enteropathogens were detected in 29 dogs (9.7%) in this study, and most of these dogs had normal feces underscoring the challenges of predicting the risk of infection and zoonotic transmission for individual animals. Pet owners who frequent dog parks should be educated about the potential risks of zoonotic transmission of enteropathogens from dogs, and the fact that a dog with normal feces can pose a risk of zoonotic transmission. Pet owners should also be advised to avoid taking their dog to a dog park if it has diarrhea. This study also highlights important discrepancies in the diagnosis of Giardia via fecal centrifugation flotation between a commercial laboratory and university parasitology laboratory, underscoring the potential for underdiagnosing this enteropathogen at some individual laboratories. The methodology for fecal flotation and improved technician training should be undertaken in an effort to increase the performance characteristics of this test. In addition, the utility of fecal PCR testing for Giardia warrants further investigation to determine the reason (s) for the discrepant results with fecal flotation and DFA testing.