Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites are very common in dogs and cats. Approximately 99% of puppies and kittens contract roundworms and hookworms from their mother near the time of birth. Roundworms can cause diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, bloating and poor weight gain. Hookworms can cause serious anemia, diarrhea and poor weight gain. Both of these parasites can also be contracted orally through exposure to contaminated soil.
Adult dogs and cats develop some immunity to hookworms and roundworms and therefore don't seem as susceptible to the medical problems seen in infected puppies and kittens, although it can occur. Many adult pets may harbor subclinical infections of these worms and intermittently shed worm eggs in their feces but do not appear clinically ill. These pets serve as a source of disease for other cats and dogs. Also, children and people with a suppressed immune system can get serious infections from exposure to roundworm eggs.
Fortunately, roundworm and hookworm infections in dogs and cats are easily treated and prevented. We treat all puppies and kittens with worming medicine. Annual fecal flotation tests are recommended for adult pets. We also recommend adult dogs be put on a monthly heartworm preventative medicine which also controls roundworms and hookworms.
Whipworms can be a cause of diarrhea in any dog. Infection is through exposure to contaminated soil. Whipworm eggs (along with roundworm eggs) are very resistant to desiccation and can remain viable in the soil for over one year. Whipworms can be diagnosed with a fecal floatation and are successfully treated with medicine. Because their eggs are so resistant and dogs do not develop good immunity to whipworms, they tend to recur.
Tapeworms are very common parasites of dogs and cats. Pets most often contract them by eating an infected flea. Therefore, when tapeworms are present, they usually indicate that fleas are also present on the pet and we recommend treating for both. Tapeworms are the most common intestinal parasite that our clients can actually see coming from their pet, since they frequently release entire segments of their bodies (proglottids) which appear in the stool or on the fur as white to yellow, rice to sesame seed-sized "worms". Tapeworms sometimes cause mild intestinal upset and irritation. In rare cases, they can make a pet seriously ill. Treatment for tapeworms usually consists of a single dose of medicine as well as a good flea treatment.
Giardia is an intestinal parasite often contracted through contaminated water. Direct contact between animals is another important route of transmission. Giardia can cause severe diarrhea and sometimes vomiting. People can also get Giardia and may have similar symptoms. Giardia can be tricky to diagnose, but is usually successfully treated.
These are the most common intestinal parasites we see at LVH in cats and dogs. If you have any questions regarding parasites, please call us at (503) 233-5222 or e-mail us at staff@lvhvet.com.