AFLATOXICOSIS IN DOGS IN NAIROBI AND NAKURU COUNTIES: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

1. AFLATOXICOSIS IN DOGS IN NAIROBI AND NAKURU COUNTIES: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY INVESTIGATOR: BHANGU ISHVEER SINGH (2014) Supervisor Dr. T. O ABUOM ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine the occurence of aflatoxicosis and the management protocols used to handle aflatoxicosis cases in Nakuru and Nairobi counties with the subsequent prognosis. Aflatoxicosis is an intoxication by the aflatoxin metabolite that is produced by the Aspergillusspp of fungus. Aflatoxin is a potent hepatotoxin. The study established that there were more cases of clinical aflatoxicosis in Nairobi compared to Nakuru and that the years 2010 and 2012 had the most cases of aflatoxicosis. The most common history was that of feeding animals with maize meal based diets followed by reduced appetites, dullness and weakness. It was also determined that the most common clinical examination finding was Icterus. A change of diet and multivitamin administration was the most common form of management, however, the prognosis was very poor since most animals died. The study also provided additional information such as males being the most common sex affected, adults being the most common age group affected and the most common breed affected being German Shepherd dogs.