Deworming a pregnant bitch and cat

Preparing for childbirth: Maternity preparation

DEWORMING OF BITCH AND CAT

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

Pathways of transmission of the parasite to the fetus or newborn baby

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

Parasite control

The high prevalence of parasites and potentially serious health consequences for offspring emphasize the importance of parasite control in breeding females (Figure 1), especially Toxocara spp. Bitches and cats should be dewormed every 3 months according to the recommendations of the European Scientific Council of the Association for Companion Animal Parasitoses (ESCCAP).

It is worth being cautious and careful when choosing antiparasitic drugs during pregnancy, as only some dosage forms are registered and authorized for use in pregnant women. Some drugs may cause fetal toxicity or congenital anomalies.

Childbirth
Postpartum.

Deworming during mating is also strongly 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 time. Finally, in cats and dogs, both Toxocara species are transmitted through the mother's milk, so it is recommended to administer antiparasitic drugs during colostrogenesis, around day 55-60 of gestation.

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