Neosporosis is caused by infection with the protozoal parasite Neospora caninum, which has been identified in dogs, cattle, horses, and other animals. The parasite needs dogs, however, to complete its life cycle.
Infection is uncommon and can occur from eating contaminated food or water, consuming infected meat, or through transmission from a mother to her unborn puppy through the placenta. The disease is well known for causing abortion in cattle, especially on farms where dogs are present.
Most infected dogs show no signs. When illness does occur, it is most often seen in young puppies, which may develop paralysis (inability to move) of the back legs that can become severe and lead to muscle stiffening. The outlook in these cases is poor.
In adult dogs, signs can include inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, skin lesions, liver inflammation, pneumonia (lung infection), and heart inflammation. The outlook worsens with severe disease or delayed treatment.
Treatment involves antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. There is currently no vaccine available.
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