For five years, a mysterious illness plagued dogs in Southern California. The culprit? Not another animal, but a parasite called the liver fluke lurking in the Colorado River near Blythe.

A Baffling Case:

• 11 dogs from Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange Counties fell ill between 2018 and 2023.
• Symptoms included loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and liver issues.
• The dogs’ owners had one thing in common: all had visited the Colorado River near Blythe.

The Elusive Culprit:

• Professor Dillman and his team at UC Riverside identified the culprit as Heterobilharzia americana, a flatworm native to the South.
• This marked the parasite’s first documented appearance in the California section of the Colorado River.

Transmission and Treatment:

• The parasite transmits through snails found in the river.
• Canine schistosomiasis, the disease caused by the parasite, can be fatal if untreated.
• Antiparasitic drugs like praziquantel and fenbendazole can be effective.

The Mystery Deepens:

• How the snails carrying the parasite arrived in California remains unknown.
• Researchers suspect a possible connection to a 2018 outbreak in Moab, Utah, near the Colorado River.

Raising Awareness:

• Public health officials urge dog owners to be aware of the parasite and its associated illness.
• A simple fecal test can diagnose canine schistosomiasis.
• If your dog experiences concerning symptoms after swimming in the Colorado River, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Protecting Our Pets:

• By understanding the threat and taking precautions, we can help keep our canine companions safe.

Credits: Review Journal