Description
Neospora caninum mainly affects dogs. Congenital infection in puppies classically causes progressive neuromuscular disease: hindlimb hyperextension and rigidity (genu recurvatum), “bunnyhopping” gait, paraparesis progressing to tetraparesis, muscle atrophy, and hyporeflexia; adult dogs may show polymyositis, ataxia, seizures, or multifocal CNS signs, and some have abortion or infertility.
Samples include serum for Neospora IgG/IgM serology and CSF for antibody detection or cytology in neurological cases, plus biopsies/aspirates of affected muscle, nerve, or CNS tissue for histopathology and immunohistochemistry to visualize tachyzoites/cysts. qPCR on blood, CSF, or tissue (especially muscle or CNS) is highly sensitive for detecting N. caninum DNA, helps distinguish it from T. gondii in neuromuscular cases, and supports a definitive diagnosis when combined with compatible clinical and imaging findings.
