Neosporosis in Dogs: Common Symptoms and Treatment

Neosporosis in dogs is caused by an uncommon parasite that can cause neurologic issues. 

Affected dogs can show no signs or they can have severe neurologic changes. Puppies can even be infected while they’re in the womb and develop stiff, paralyzed hind legs weeks after birth. 

Farm life with exposure to livestock and coyotes can increase risks for neosporosis in dogs. 

Summary

Neosporosis is the name of the disease caused by eating the neospora parasite. 

Neospora caninum is a microscopic, coccidia-like parasite that is spread from eating raw meat of other infected animals, like cattle, sheep, or deer. 

Neosporosis can be subclinical in dogs, meaning they have no symptoms, or it can lead to neuromuscular disease when the parasite gets into tissue, causing inflammation (swelling) and changes in the way the dog walks and their balance (ataxia). 

Neosporosis in dogs is a veterinary emergency. Additionally, there are many dangerous conditions that can look like neosporosis that should all be treated as an emergency. 

If you notice symptoms of a neospora infection, seek care for your pup as soon as possible. 

Symptoms

While some dogs will show no symptoms, others will. Common signs of neosporosis in dogs include: 

• Stiffness or weakness in the back legs 

• Paralysis in the hind legs 

• Changes in gait (how they walk) 

• Lethargy 

• Weight loss 

Causes

Neosporosis in dogs is caused by ingesting the parasite N. caninum. 

Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and deer) are considered intermediate hosts of neospora. This means that they are part of the life cycle of the parasite. Dogs most often get neosporosis from eating the raw meat of these animals. 

They can also get the disease from eating a placenta. If a cow calves in a field and the placenta is left out there, a dog may eat the placenta and become infected. Or a dog may find a dead animal and eat part of it and get the disease. 

The parasite reproduces in the dog's body, and eggs are passed through their feces. Wild canids, like coyotes, can also get the disease and spread neospora in their feces. Ruminants unknowingly eat the eggs while grazing on pasture, and the life cycle continues. 

Neospora can readily be passed from an infected mother through the placenta to her unborn puppies. These pups are then born with neosporosis. 

Rural dogs who roam near livestock are at an increased risk of getting neosporosis. These dogs are more likely to encounter dead ruminants or placental tissue that they can eat. 

Neosporosis is more commonly found in the following breeds: 

• Basset Hounds 

• German Shorthaired Pointers 

• Labradors 

• Golden Retrievers 

• Greyhounds 

• Boxers 

Diagnosis

To diagnose neosporosis in dogs, your veterinarian will start with a complete physical exam to look for symptoms. They will likely recommend blood work and/or X-rays to rule out several more common diseases. 

If you have noticed your dog walking with an unusual gait at home, it can be very helpful to videotape them moving around. Let your veterinary team know how long symptoms have been present, in what order they appeared, and if your pup has been exposed to cattle, deer, or other ruminants. 

If your vet suspects neospora, there are several tests they may recommend, including: 

• Blood serum tests: IgM and IgG are antibodies that can be found in the blood. High serum titers of neospora can show an infection. 

• PCR testing: PCR testing looks for DNA from the organism. PCR testing can be done on the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) or even on the feces. 

• Muscle biopsy: This procedure involves taking a small sample of the affected muscle to look for the parasite under the microscope. This test is considered the best way to get a definitive diagnosis for neosporosis, but it is the most invasive route.Your dog will be put under anesthesia for this procedure. 

Talk to your vet before the appointment to determine if you need to withhold food and water from your dog 6-8 hours prior, in case any mild sedation is needed for testing. 

Treatment

There is no true cure for neosporosis in dogs. 

Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms, and dogs respond better to treatment when it’s started early in the disease course. 

Dogs who are not treated will die from the disease. 

Neosporosis is treated with a combination of medications including clindamycin, trimethoprim sulfa, and pyrimethamine. 

Occasionally, ReBalance, an equine-approved sulfadiazine/pyrimethamine medication, will be prescribed off label for management of neosporosis in dogs. 

Treatment often takes four to six weeks, with medications being continued until symptoms have plateaued for two weeks. 

If a puppy is diagnosed with neosporosis, treatment is often recommended for their littermates even if they aren’t showing symptoms. 

Recovery and Management

While there is no cure for neosporosis, some dogs can improve with treatment and recover from the worst of the infection. Recovery often takes months. 

It’s not uncommon to see the infection return. Neospora eggs passed through the feces can live in the environment for months. 

Avoid exposing new dogs to an environment where there was a known infection if possible. Wear gloves and pick up all stool for disposal. 

Some affected pups will benefit from physical therapy. Passive range of motion exercises (like slowly moving their hind legs as if they’re pedaling a bike) can help maintain joint flexibility and reduce muscle wasting. 

Consider Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips to help your dog have more traction if they are weak in the hind legs. 

No-slip floor runners can also be a helpful addition in homes with hardwood or other slick flooring. 

Prevention

Ways to help prevent neosporosis in dogs include: 

• Avoid letting your dog have access to aborted fetuses or placental tissue from cows. 

• Eliminate your dog’s exposure to raw meat. 

• If you have cattle, keep their feed secure to ensure no contamination with dog feces. 

• If you have a female dog who has had neospora, do not breed her.