What are the symptoms of Chagas disease in dogs?
The clinical signs of Chagas disease are variable and non-specific. Most infected dogs demonstrate subtle signs, such as lethargy, decreased appetite, and weight loss. In more severe cases, you may also notice more severe signs, such as fainting, exercise intolerance, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Is Chagas disease curable in dogs?
Chagas Disease has no known cure, and because it can be transmitted easily to humans, dogs and cats who contract the parasite commonly are euthanized. However, some drugs have shown promise when administered in the acute stage of the disease.
What does Chagas do to dogs?
Canine Chagas disease can be acute or chronic and is predominantly characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the heart, resulting in arrhythmias, myocardial dysfunction, heart failure, and sudden death, although many infected dogs are asymptomatic.
Is Chagas disease fatal?
It is estimated that as many as 8 million people in Mexico, Central America, and South America have Chagas disease, most of whom do not know they are infected. If untreated, infection is lifelong and can be life threatening.
Can dogs be tested for Chagas disease?
In living dogs, serologic testing is the primary method of diagnosing Chagas disease. Serologic testing uses a dog’s serum to detect antibodies against T. cruzi. A positive antibody titer indicates a dog has been exposed to, and likely infected with, the parasite.
Is Chagas disease common in dogs?
Chagas disease is also known as “Kissing Bug Disease” or “American Trypanosomiasis.” It’s caused by a blood parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted by kissing bugs. Chagas disease affects people as well as dogs and other animals. It is estimated that about 8 million people have Chagas disease.
What is the incubation period for Chagas disease?
After the incubation period of 1 to 2 weeks, infected patients enter the acute phase of Chagas disease. Transfusion- and transplant-associated cases may have a longer incubation period, sometimes up to 120 days.
How do you rule out Chagas disease?
The diagnosis of Chagas disease can be made by observation of the parasite in a blood smear by microscopic examination. A thick and thin blood smear are made and stained for visualization of parasites.
What to know about Chagas disease in dogs?
Chagas Disease in Dogs 1 Chagas disease is a parasitic infection that begins with an insect in… 2 Symptoms of Chagas Disease in Dogs. Note that the symptoms of Chagas disease are highly variable… 3 Causes of Chagas Disease in Dogs. 4 Diagnosis of Chagas Disease in Dogs. Chagas disease has two phases, acute and chronic.
When to take your dog to the vet for Chagas disease?
If you notice behavioral changes, fever, or lethargy in your dog, make an appointment with an veterinarian right away. Chagas disease is a zoonotic illness (capable of being passed from pets to humans) transmitted through bugs in the triatominae family (assassin bugs).
What causes constipation and vomiting in dogs with Chagas disease?
Rarely, the nerves to the esophagus and colon can be affected, which causes constipation or regurgitation, which can look like vomiting. Chagas disease in dogs is caused by a blood parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasite lives in the blood of hosts like raccoons, skunks, armadillos, coyotes, squirrels, and other mammals.
Which medications are used in the treatment of Chagas disease?
There is currently no consensus on the best method of treatment for Chagas disease. In the acute phase, a number of medications (including Benznidazole, Ravuconazole, and Albaconazole) have been utilized with varying success rates.