Trypanosoma cruzi infection in a dog from Oklahoma
Fox, J.C.; Ewing, S.A.; Buckner, R.G.; Whitenack, D.; Manley, J.H.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 189(12): 1583-1584
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 3098711 Document Number: 274944
T. cruzi infection was confirmed parasitologically and serologically in a Labrador bitch presenting with fever, laboured breathing and generalized oedema, which was euthanized in Oklahoma, USA. Trypomastigotes were found in the blood, and pseudocysts containing amastigotes were present in the heart muscle. This is the first report of canine trypanosomiasis in Oklahoma. Triatoma sanguisuga may be the vector of this species in Oklahoma: it has been found naturally infected in Texas. Trypanosoma cruzi was found in 5 raccoons [Procyon lotor] trapped in Tulsa within one month of the dog becoming ill (after a recent fight with an unknown species of wild animal). The suggestion that T. cruzi may be endemic in Oklahoma is supported by the finding of 4 seropositive dogs in various regions of the State.