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Mystery of the Sick Dogs Solved: Parasite Traced to Colorado River
By TheNevadaGlobeStaff, March 16, 2024 4:39 pm
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
Copyright 2024 702 Times, NV Globe. All rights reserved
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