Tapeworm Infections in Stray Dogs and Cats in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

This study was performed to determine the tapeworm infections of stray dogs and cats in Istanbul, Turkey. Stool samples were obtained from animals in a temporary animal rehabilitation center in Istanbul. Stools were examined microscopically for tapeworm eggs by saturated salt water flotation and by Teleman's sedimentation (for fatty stools) method and macroscopically for proglottids. Infected animals were treated with praziquantel (Cestacit Injectable Solution (R) Topkim, Turkey) at a dose of 5.68 active ingredient/kg bw and stools were re-examined daily until no parasite was seen for two consecutive days in terms of proglottids and scolices macroscopically and eggs microscopically. Out of 250 dogs, 26 (10.4%) were found to be infected with tapeworms, 16 (6.4%) with Dipylidium caninum, 10 (4%) with Taenia spp., and 2 (0.8%) with Echinococcus granulosus and, 2 (4.65%) of 43 cats had Joyeuxiella pasqualei infection.