Internal Parasites and Zoonosis

Tapeworms:

Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that reside in the small intestine of vertebrates.

Dried tapeworms are typically noticed as ‘rice grains’ around the anus of the pet, in the fecal material, or in bedding that the pet sleeps in.  When they initially come out of the pet, the tapeworms can be seen to actively move around.

Most pets are clinically unaffected by tapeworms, unless the burden is large.  Weight loss can be seen, as well as ‘scooting’ from the peri-anal irritation of the worm segments.

Tapeworms are transmitted to pets by ingestion of fleas or lice; when they are digested the tapeworm is transmitted to the gi tract of the pet.

Treatment requires prescription medication that is available in oral and injectable form.

The most important prevention is flea control.

Whipworms:

Whipworms are small whip-like shaped worms that live in the large intestine and cecum of dogs (commonly) and cats (rarely).

Whipworms can cause hemorrhagic (bloody) diarrhea and anemia in cases of severe infestation.

Infection occurs when whipworm eggs are ingested in contaminated food or water.

Diagnosis of whipworm infection is based on fecal samples, and multiple samples may be necessary as female whipworms do not produce eggs every day, nor do they produce large amounts of eggs.

Treatment of whipworm infection requires treatment with prescription medications.

Once whipworm eggs are in the soil it is basically impossible to eliminate them - the eggs are resistant to freezing and can live for years.  Replacement of the infected soil with clean soil, gravel and pavement is the only way to be sure that the eggs are gone.

Prevention includes keeping pets away from contaminated areas and routine fecal exams as well as the use of monthly heartworm preventatives that also kill whipworms.

Roundworms:

Roundworms are a common parasite of dogs and cats, and can grow up to 15cm long. 

Infection can occur in 4 ways:

1. Consuming infective eggs from soil in the environment (generally through normal grooming).
2. Nursing from an infected mother (most common transmission in kittens).
3. Consuming a prey animal that is carrying developing worms.
4. During embryonic development when an infected mother is pregnant (most common transmission in dogs, this does not occur in cats).

Roundworm infection can have numerous negative effects. It is a common cause of diarrhea in young animals and can cause vomiting as well. Sometimes the worms themselves are vomited up which can be alarming as they can be quite large. The worms consume the host’s food and can lead to unthriftiness and a classical “pot-bellied” appearance. Very heavy infections can lead to pneumonia as the worms migrate and, if there are enough worms, the intestine can actually become obstructed.

Detections of roundworm infection is typically through fecal examination, which is recommended for all puppies and kittens, as well as annually for adults.

Treatment is part of our deworming protocol for puppies and kittens.  Further treatment is part of recommended monthly heartworm preventatives.

Hookworms:

Hookworms are a common parasite of dogs and cats, and live off of blood and tissue from the small intestine.  They often lead to serious illness and death, with as few as 50 worms being potentially fatal to a puppy.

Hookworms are transmitted via nursing, ingestion of larvae in the environment, or the larvae penetrating a pet’s skin.

Detections of hookworm infection is typically through fecal examination, which is recommended for all puppies and kittens, as well as annually for adults.

Treatment is part of our deworming protocol for puppies and kittens.  Further treatment is part of recommended monthly heartworm preventatives.

Some of our veterinary recommended products for you:

Sentinel:

Sentinel is an oral medication that prevents roundworm and hookworm infection, as well as whipworms.  Give by mouth with food once monthly on the same day every month. Sentinel also prevents flea infestation and heartworm infection, and is made for use in dogs

Revolution:

Revolution is a topical medication that is absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin, where it’s active ingredient selamectin prevents roundworm and hookworm infection in cats.  Apply every month to the back of the head. Don’t bathe your animal for two days prior to, or after, applying. Revolution also prevents flea infestation and heartworm infection in both cats and dogs.

Zoonosis:

Zoonosis is defined as a disease that is passed from animals to humans.  Rabies is one of the more well-known zoonotic diseases, but roundworms and hookworms are both potentially zoonotic parasites and are far more likely for you or your children to come into contact.

Roundworms can cause a disease called Visceral Larva Migrans, where the worms migrate through the body. Organs commonly affected are the eye, brain, liver, and lung, where infections can cause permanent visual, neurologic, or other tissue damage.  Transmission occurs through ingestion of worms in contaminated soil, usually by children who often put dirty hands into their mouths.