Vertical Transmission of Hepatozoon canis in Dogs

Abstract

We experienced vertical infections of puppies with Hepatozoon canis from 1990 to 1992. In 23 of 29(79.3%) puppies from a total of 6 deliveries, gamonts or meronts were detected from 16 to 60 days after birth. The mother dogs were delivered of the puppies under tick-free conditions treated with an acaricide. There was no chance of infection of the puppies with H. canis after birth. Therefore, the vertical transmission of H. canis was supposed to be established in the family of dog.