Dogs and Toxiplasmosis

[Madigan]

Have just got a BFP (after 3 years of ttc, IUI and IVF - phew!!) -

Have been reading up on pregnancy, and am concerned about the risk of toxiplasmosis being passed on from animals. I have a dog, who is basically with me 24/7. I know that the major carriers are cats, but does anyone know if dogs are also a risk? and what can I do to prevent the risk? Thanks

Nobody mentioned about dogs being carriers of toxiplasmosis to me, ever. I have 2 dogs.

And....

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Chandra!!

I am a bit confused now ... as just checked on Tommy's website and they say that dogs do not carry toxiplasmosis, yet 2 pregnancy books I have bought say that you have to avoid dog poo etc (which of course I do try to do !!! - but there is still the occasional accident which needs clearing up).

Am reassured to hear that no-one ever suggested to you that it should be a worry ....

You may like to have a look at this page:

www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1621&articleid=771

It says that although every warm blooded animal (including humans) can catch it, only cats pass it through their faeces.

It has a list of what pregnant women can do to avoid catching it which I believe is exactly the same one your midwife will provide soon.

Cograts on your pregnancy - I agree with what the others have said - it is cats and not dogs which are the main problem - I have 3 dogs and 4 cats and have to be very careful disposing of cat litter and keeping everything clean. I also think that it is not so much of a problem in the UK - here in France it is the law to be tested every month if you have no immunity to toxoplasmosis, the disease is far more widespread.

Thanks ladies - feel more reassured about it now.

I asked my vet and he said not to worry at all. You are more likely to catch it from raw meat (! didn't know that) than dogs. He said it's really cats pee that you should worry about - and that's why they say no gardening for pregant women. Even old cat wee is apparently still infectious. I have a puppy (still being house trained) and no probs at all (I'm five months pregnant and been on poo duty all that time)

ok- now I am going to stop worrying!!! Thank you ladies XX