A five-year retrospective analysis of Toxocara canis, Isospora canis, and Giardia intestinalis as causing diarrhea in dogs under shelter conditionsin Nevşehir province

This study was conducted at the Gendarmerie Horse and Dog Training Center Command, which provides training for dogs serving in various branches. The center houses more than 500 dogs aged between 0 and 9 years, and when necessary, the examination, treatment, and preventive healthcare of the dogs are performed by the veterinarians assigned to the Horse/Dog Examination and Treatment Center within the center. From January 2020 to December 2024, dogs presenting with symptoms of diarrhea were examined at the animal clinic for treatment purposes. Fecal examinations (using both direct smear and flotation techniques) were conducted, followed by microscopic examination, and the findings were recorded in the laboratory logbook, after which necessary treatments were initiated. A total of 379 dogs were recorded during these years, with 303 dogs (79.94%) testing negative for pathogens and 76 dogs (20.05%) testing positive for parasites. Among the positive cases, Toxocara spp. was found in 30 dogs (7.91%), Isospora spp. in 32 dogs (8.44%), and Giardia spp. in 14 dogs (3.69%). In conclusion, the presence of gastrointestinal parasites in shelter dogs has been confirmed, but it has been observed that this rate can be reduced with appropriate measures.