Fasciola hepatica in Dogs: Can Your Pet Get Liver Flukes?
Introduction Although Fasciola hepatica is well-known as one of the parasites that commonly affects ruminants, its presence in canine hosts is a new threat in places where animals and domesticated pets live together. Referred to as the " Common Liver Fluke ," this parasitic worm causes considerable harm to the canine liver when dogs accidentally consume cysts of encysted metacercariae in contaminated water and aquatic plants. Microscopic view of liver fluke in canine Pathogenesis in Dogs This parasite's life cycle includes an intermediate host which can be any species of the snail family, Lymnaea species . When dogs accidentally eat the host plant or drink water, they ingest metacercariae. From there, the parasite migrates to the bile duct via the intestines, the peritoneal cavity, and finally the liver capsule. Clinical Signs The symptoms for dogs could start mild but could also develop into chronic liver infections as follows: Lethargy and Loss of Appetite: The...