In summary, it is important that veterinary practitioners recognize
that dogs can act as intermediate and definitive hosts for
E. multilocularis, and that dogs with intestinal infections pose
a serious zoonotic threat. Thus, in endemic areas, it is recommended
that dogs and cats that hunt or scavenge on rodents
should be dewormed on a monthly basis with a cestocide such
as praziquantel (5). However, until the source of the infection
in the dog described here is determined it would be premature
to comment on whether preventative treatment of dogs with
praziquantel is required in parts of Ontario; research is required
to determine the distribution of E. multilocularis in Ontario.