vet-n-pet DIRECT

8 | my pet magazine Intestinal worms are a common parasite that can be easily contracted by most animals. The intestinal worms of concern to our pets (dogs and cats) are Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms and Tapeworms. Not only can these intestinal worms have an ill effect on animals but they can also be passed onto humans and cause some serious health issues. Hookworms Hookworms are passed from one animal to another when an infected animal sheds eggs in their faeces, the eggs then hatch and develop into larvae which can be either ingested or penetrate through the skin of the new host. The hookworm larvae will live in the small intestine and develop into an adult worm. This adult hookworm will attach to the intestinal wall and feed on the blood and tissue. Symptoms caused by a hookworm infestation include bloody diarrhoea and anaemia, which can be so serious that it can lead to death, particularly in puppies. Roundworms Roundworms are the most common worm parasite to infect dogs. An animal can become infected with roundworms when they ingest the eggs that have been expelled in the faeces of an infected animal. The eggs are then often found on the soil or even in an intermediate host like a rat or mouse that the animal may then eat (all or part of). They can also be passed on to puppies through the placenta in utero or through the mother's milk. Once developed the adult roundworm will live in the stomach and intestines of the host. The adult worms can end up causing intermittent vomiting and diarrhoea in the host. Roundworms are most harmful to puppies as the larvae can affect their lungs, liver and brain. A heavy burden in young animals will cause them to have a dull coat, failure to thrive, stunted growth and anaemia which can lead to death. Whipworms Whipworms are contracted when a dog consumes the eggs that have been expelled by an infected dog. The eggs are very tolerant and can remain in the environment for many years, so re-infestation is common. The adult whipworm will attach to the large intestine and feed on blood. In mild infestations there are often no symptoms seen but when the whipworm burden becomes heavier the dog may suffer from weight loss, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody) anaemia and dehydration. Tapeworms There are a number of different species of tapeworm that can affect dogs but the most significant and common ones are the flea tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) and the hydatid tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosis). Tapeworms are transmitted when the eggs are ingested by an intermediate host and then develop into larvae. The flea tapeworm is passed to a dog when an infected flea is ingested. The hydatid tapeworm is transferred when a dog eats infected meat (offal or muscle) from an intermediate contaminated host; usually a sheep but can also be a cow, pig, kangaroo, wallaby and other wild or farm animals. The hydatid tapeworm is of particular concern as it can be passed to humans and cause serious health issues for people. Adult tapeworms uFEATURED ARTICLE

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