Abstract

Ancylostomiosis, commonly known as hookworm infection, is a significant parasitic disease in dogs caused primarily by Ancylostoma caninum, with other species such as Ancylostoma braziliense and Uncinaria stenocephala occasionally involved. These blood-feeding nematodes reside in the small intestine and are capable of causing severe morbidity, particularly in young, debilitated, or immunocompromised animals. The infection is primarily acquired through ingestion of infective third-stage larvae (L3), skin penetration, or transmammary transmission in puppies. A three-month-old male Labrador retriever was presented to the veterinary hospital with a history of hyporexia, melena, and generalized lethargy. Physical examination revealed mild abdominal distension, resulting in a pot-bellied appearance, along with visible ticks. A blood smear was aseptically collected from the ear tip and stained with Giemsa to screen for haemoprotozoan parasites. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was also performed to further exclude haemoprotozoan infection. Hematobiochemical analysis showed regenerative anemia, mild monocytosis, and hypoproteinemia. Fecal examination via the flotation technique identified oval, thinshelled eggs containing 8–16 embryonated cells, consistent with Ancylostoma caninum. Based on clinical signs, hematological findings, and parasitological evidence, a definitive diagnosis of ancylostomiosis was made. The patient was treated with fenbendazole (30 mg/kg orally for three days), supplemented with probiotics and iron therapy. The dog responded favorably to treatment and made a full recovery without complications..

Keywords : Hookworm, labrador, Ancylostoma