TRICHOMONIASIS

This protozoan infection is caused by a species of trichomonas often associated with a mucoid (and occasionally bloody) diarrhea in dogs specially in puppies. In dogs Pentatrichomonas hominis (most prevalent),
Tritrichomonas foetus are prevalent & more common in dogs with ages less than 24 weeks. Commonly, it is found in association with poor kennel management. Prolonged infection leads to weak, debilitated, stunted puppies with rough body coats.

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis is made by finding protozoan cysts in fresh stool by fecal examination. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays are also available, and are especially important when differentiating between T. foetus and Pentatrichomonas hominis.

Treatment:

The infection responds well to Flagyl (metronidazole).