The Columbus Academy of Veterinary Medicine is an established local association of Central Ohio Veterinarians. Its members reflect all aspects of veterinary medicine from small and large animal veterinary practices to academics and research. All the members share the common goal of creating an organization to promote veterinary medicine and safeguard its interests on a local level. The Academy is a vital source of continuing education hours offered at no charge to its membership. It is an important link between the veterinary community and the public it serves.
Intestinal parasites are very common in dogs and cats. The most common parasites include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and coccidia. Giardia can also be a problem in some areas. Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:
Both roundworms and hookworms cross the placenta into the unborn puppies and kittens, migrate through the milk as they nurse, and are ingested by the puppies and kittens as they start eating solid food (and other things! like dirt and rodents). Hookworms can also migrate across the skin. Whipworms and coccidia are transmitted by ingestion only. Tapeworms need to develop in an intermediate host and are transmitted by ingestion of fleas and lice.
Stool samples from your puppy or kitten should be examined microscopically to detect eggs from roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Coccidia themselves can be observed microscopically. Tapeworm egg packets can sometimes be seen microscopically, but tapeworm segments are more commonly seen. These segments are white, about ½ inch long, and mobile when fresh, but look like grains of rice when dry. These dried tapeworm segments can be seen on the pet's hair or in areas where they spend a lot of time. Occasionally, pets can pass roundworms in their vomit or stool. They look like "spaghetti". (That's a disgusting thought, isn't it?)
It is important that a stool specimen from your pet be examined microscopically at least once a year.
Most commonly these parasites cause diarrhea, sometimes even bloody diarrhea. Puppies and kittens with roundworms may often look pot-bellied and unthrifty and have abdominal discomfort and dull haircoats. Rarely, there can be large enough masses of roundworms in puppies to cause intestinal obstruction and death. Hookworms are bloodsuckers and can cause severe anemia.
YES! Roundworms and hookworms can also be a health hazard to people who come into contact with eggs or worms in the environment through stool contamination. Children are at the greatest risk because they are more likely to dig in the dirt and put their hands in their mouths. People can become infected with hookworms by walking barefoot in contaminated areas.
It is very important to clean up your pet's stool and wash your hands after handling their stool.
Depending on what type of parasite your pet has and how old they are, there are a number of parasiticides to treat them. Most medications are oral, but there are some topical (skin application) and injectable medications as well. Some heartworm medications also treat for some intestinal parasites.
Please consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment options for your pet.