ABSTRACT

A survey of ecto and endoparasites of puppies of dog (can/s familiaris) in Michael

Okpara University of Agriculture Urnudike d it; neighbouring villages was

carried out in a completely randomised desig . 4. total of 110 puppies of both

sexes, aged between 0-14 weeks were exam ned using standard parasitological

techniques. The narcotised puppies were tho oughly examined to determine the

level of parasite infestation in relation to age, body weight, length of gut and

localities. The following parasites were recovered; Dipylidium caninum 35

(31.8%); Taeniajbrrnis 10 (9.1%); Toxocara canis, 80 (72%); Ascaris lumbricoide

10 (9.1%); Ancylcs/orna caninurn 55 (50%); Gnathosiorna spinigerum 2 (1.8%);

ctenocephalides can/s 5 (4.3%); ¶iichodccies cacis 10 (9.1%) Noloedres can/s 70

(63.6%) and Hepalozoon can/s 2 (1.8%). The results obtained showed that the

level of parasite infestation did not depend on age or body weight of puppies

(?<0.05). Examination of the varinus portions of the gut revealed that there was

increased worm load at the duodenum and jejunum. The length of gut was found

not to affect the worm load at the various portions of the gut examined. However,

locality of sampling affected the level of parasite inbstation in puppies (P<0.001).

Thus puppies, require regular anthelminths and acaricides to prevent the hazards

created by parasite infestation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Title page

Certification.. ii

Dedication.. iii

Acknowledgement iv-v

Table of Content vi-vii

List of Figures vii-viii

List of Plates ix

Abstract X

CHAPTER I: INTRODUC'I ION .. 1-6

CHAPTER 2: UTERATURE REVIEW 7-20

2.1 Introduction .. 7

2.2 Protozoan Parasites 7

2.3 Haemoparasites 9

2.4 Helrninth parasites 10

2.5 Ecto-parasites of dog .. 13

2.6 Pathology of dog parasites 15

2.7 Prevention and Control of Endoparsites 17

2.8 Prevention and Control of Ectoparaites. 19

CHAPTER 3: MATERIALS AND METHODS 20-27

3.1 Area of study.. 21

(Table of Contents )contd.

PAGE

3.2 Sample collection 23

3.3 Examination for Ecto-parasites 23

3.4 Examination of Endoparasites .. 24

3.5 Recovery of Gut parasites 24

3.6 Examination of blood for Parasits 25

3.7 Staining Techniques .. 25

3.8 Preparation of slides for photo micrograph .. 26

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS.. 28

CHAPTER DiSCUSSION.. 47

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION.. 53

REFERENCS.. .. .. .. .. 55

APPENDICES