Neurotropic parasites of small companion animals: an overlooked neurological concern

The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of parasitic diseases impacting the nervous systems of small companion animals.Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are well-documented pathogens linked to neurological disorders; however, a variety of other parasitic agents, ranging from unicellular protozoa to complex helminths, also exhibit a tropism for the nervous system in these animals.Parasites can exert a direct influence on the nervous system through mechanisms that reflect their inherent neurotropism (e.g.Encephalitozoon cunicoli and Gurltia paralysans).Additionally, they may indirectly compromise neurological function through several distinct mechanisms: i) ectopic dislocation