By Sarah Hannan
In January, two dogs died due to Trypanosoma. A third case has now been detected by an independent veterinary practitioner in Kadawatha. Due to the extent of the infection, the dog was then transferred to the Peradeniya Veterinary Hospital.
The Sunday Morning contacted Veterinary Clinical Studies Senior Professor Dr. Ashoka Dangolla to obtain further information. Since the cases reported in January, his team has conducted further research to identify the parasite which was causing these dogs to fall sick.
“From the dog which is now being treated at the Intensive Care Unit at our hospital we have identified the agent Trypanosoma evansi. At the moment, we are only detecting the disease in animals. However, there is a possibility for humans to contract it too,” Dr. Dangolla explained.
He further noted that the Ceylon Medical Journal had in fact recommended conducting discussions on the disease in 1999 after the parasite was detected during an MRI scan of a patient.
“It is 2019 now, and I urge medical professionals and the public alike to not take this disease lightly. While it first affects the eyes, causing blindness at the latter stage, it also affects the heart,” Dr. Dangolla stated.
In January, two dogs died due to Trypanosoma. A third case has now been detected by an independent veterinary practitioner in Kadawatha. Due to the extent of the infection, the dog was then transferred to the Peradeniya Veterinary Hospital.
The Sunday Morning contacted Veterinary Clinical Studies Senior Professor Dr. Ashoka Dangolla to obtain further information. Since the cases reported in January, his team has conducted further research to identify the parasite which was causing these dogs to fall sick.
“From the dog which is now being treated at the Intensive Care Unit at our hospital we have identified the agent Trypanosoma evansi. At the moment, we are only detecting the disease in animals. However, there is a possibility for humans to contract it too,” Dr. Dangolla explained.
He further noted that the Ceylon Medical Journal had in fact recommended conducting discussions on the disease in 1999 after the parasite was detected during an MRI scan of a patient.
“It is 2019 now, and I urge medical professionals and the public alike to not take this disease lightly. While it first affects the eyes, causing blindness at the latter stage, it also affects the heart,” Dr. Dangolla stated.