PetMD Seal

Sarcocystis Infection in Dogs

PrintPrint

Sarcocystosis in Dogs

 

The causative agent of sarcocystosis (Sarcocystis) is the same organism that causes equine protozoal meningitis. It is believe dogs can become infected with Sarcocystis; however, symptoms of disease in infected dogs are rare.

 

Sarcocystosis can occur in both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn how this type of infection affects cats, please visit this page in the petMD health library.

 

Symptoms and Types

 

Symptoms in dogs are rarely seen but may include:

 

  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Diarrhea, potentially bloody diarrhea
  • Dehydration
  • Depression
  • Paralysis
  • Muscle pain
  • Myositis (inflammation with the muscle)
  • Muscle atrophy (muscle wasting)

 

Causes

 

A dog may be infected by eating raw meat contaminated with Sarcocystis organisms.

 

Diagnosis

 

Occasionally, Sarcocystis organisms can be seen in the feces on microscopic fecal examination. However, in most instances, diagnosis is accomplished by finding the organism on histopathology in tissues such as the lungs, liver, kidney, spleen, brain and/or muscle.

 

More specialized testing such as immunohistochemistry and PCR may be available at some research facilities but are not widely available outside of a research setting.

 

 
  • Lifetime Credits:
  • Today's Credits:
Hurry Before All Seats are Taken!
Enroll
Be an A++ Pet Parent! Take fun & free courses to earn badges & certifications. Choose a course»

symptom checker

Search dog Articles

Follow petMD


Keep your pets healthy and safe with the latest from petMD

Latest In Dog Nutrition

Five Life-Lengthening Health Tips for Your ...
Anyone who has ever had a dog or cat wishes just one thing — that he or she has a...
READ MORE
How Antioxidants Improve Our Pet's Health, ...
The science behind pet nutrition continues to make major advances. One such example...
READ MORE
5 Tips to Keep Your Senior Pet Healthy
Senior pets have different health requirements than a younger dog or cat. Here are...
READ MORE
 
MORE FROM PETMD.COM
©1999-2013 petMD, LLC. All Rights Reserved