Heterobilharzia americana (HA) is a parasite capable of significant morbidity and mortality but with an undetermined prevalence that limits awareness and proactivity in protecting dogs. Dogs become infected when their skin is penetrated by the parasite during time in freshwater. Clinical signs range from asymptomatic infection to severe intestinal and liver failure. Even within endemic areas, the prevalence is unknown, and recognition of the infection is poor. A recent retrospective case-controlled study performed in an endemic region found that Labrador Retrievers were more likely to be diagnosed with HA than dogs of other breeds. This breed commonly works, competes, and trains in freshwater within Texas, a known endemic region for HA.

In this cross-sectional study, researchers will determine the prevalence of HA in 1,000 dogs in Texas representing three different populations: Labrador Retrievers with high-risk lifestyles, Labrador Retrievers with low-risk lifestyles, and hound breeds with high-risk lifestyles. The investigators will perform targeted fecal testing to detect HA, as well as other intestinal parasites. The hypothesis is that HA is prevalent in Labrador Retrievers with high-risk lifestyles which will form the basis for increased recognition, diagnosis, and prevention of this treatable disease in dogs