Deworming of a pregnant bitch and cat

PREPARING FOR CHILDBIRTH: PREPARING THE MOTHER

Parasite control is important in pregnant bitches and cats. In fact, up to 25% of puppies and kittens suffer from digestive disorders during the weaning period, with parasitic infestation being the main cause of weaning diarrhea (Giardia spp., Toxocara spp., coccidia). Some other parasites can cause neurological (Neospora caninum) or respiratory disorders (Toxocara spp.) in growing animals. Finally, some can lead to abortion, early mortality or long-term health problems (Neospora caninum, Leishmania infantum).

Ways of parasite transmission to the fetus or newborn

Quite often, the female is the main source of parasites for the newborn and is an asymptomatic carrier that excretes parasites into the environment or through the fecal-oral route. In some cases, transmission occurs during pregnancy, as some parasites can cross the placental barrier (Table 1). This is the case for Toxocara canis, a ubiquitous enteropathogen in dogs, in contrast to Toxocara cati in cats, which do not show transplacental transmission. For both species of toxocara, transmission to newborns is also possible through mother's milk. The ways of transmission of the parasite to the fetus or newborn are presented below.

Parasite control

The high prevalence of parasites and the potentially serious consequences for the health of the offspring emphasize the importance of parasite control in breeding females (Fig. 1), particularly against Toxocara spp. Bitches and cats should be dewormed every 3 months as recommended by the European Scientific Council for Companion Animal Parasitoses (ESCCAP).

Care should be taken when choosing antiparasitic drugs during pregnancy, as only a few dosage forms are registered and authorized for use in pregnant females. Some drugs can cause fetal toxicity or birth defects.

CHILDBIRTH / POSTPARTUM

Deworming during mating is also highly recommended. Transplacental transmission of Toxocara canis to the fetus can occur from day 40 of pregnancy, so it is recommended to deworm the bitch at least once around this date. Finally, in cats and dogs, both Toxocara spp. are transmitted through mother's milk, so it is recommended to administer antiparasitics during colostrogenesis, around 55-60 days of gestation.

According to the ESCCAP, the following active ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy in bitches and queens: fenbendazole, ivermectin, pyrantel, praziquantel, selamectin and milbemycin oxime. Note that ivermectin is not recommended for dogs carrying the MDR-1 gene (Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Old English Shepherds, Shelties, German Shepherds, Bobtails, American White Shepherds).

Author of the article: Yulia Sudbina, reproductive specialist at VK Zoolux