Endoparasites

Internal Parasites, or Worms

The following list of internal parasites are common to dogs and cats worldwide. All may be transmitted to man through unsanitary living conditions. The exception to this would be Heartworms, which are not ordinarily transmitted to humans.

Heartworms
This 'disease' is common in areas at sea level, the tropics and all mosquito-infested areas, particularly the Atlantic Coast and the Southeast. Clinical signs are seen primarily in dogs, although cats and ferrets are susceptible to infection. The most common symptoms are coughing, decreased exercise tolerance, and weight loss. The diagnosis is only possible with a blood test to determine the presence of microfilaria in the bloodstream. This test is performed by a veterinarian. The best form of control is prevention. A prescription from your veterinarian is necessary, and started early enough can reduce the possibility of the worms reaching the heart and growing into adults. In our area year round treatment is necessary. The treatment of cats and ferrets is controversial at this stage. Please consult with your veterinarian on the best treatment for your pet. DO NOT give any heartworm preventative to an animal that has not been tested by a veterinarian. If the animal has adult worms in the heart the medicine can cause the animals death!

Coccidia
A protozoan intestinal parasite, it is highly contagious. It is spread through the fecal oral route . The common symptoms are diarrhea, often with blood and mucous, dehydration , and weight loss. Sanitation is very important in controlling this disease. Prompt removal of fecal matter can reduce the recontamination of animals. Avoid feeding raw meat to your pet, as this is also a source of infection. It is treated with sulfa drugs prescribed by your veterinarian.

Roundworms
There are several types of roundworm. They are highly contagious and are spread through the oral-fecal route. Most puppies and kittens are born with them. Part of the life cycle of roundworms involves migration through the lungs of the host. Common symptoms are diarrhea, sometimes with blood, a distended abdomen, and occasionally coughing or vomiting of adult worms. There is a high mortality in young animals, and less in adults. It is treated with various medications prescribed by your veterinarian.

Hookworms
This worm is highly contagious and is also transmitted by the oral fecal route. Although they can be transmitted through the skin by contact with contaminated feces, such as through the feet of pups and humans. Mother dogs can pass them through their milk to the pups as well. Common symptoms are diarrhea, usually with blood, weakness , anemia, and occassionally coughing. It can be fatal in young animals, and sometimes in adults if left untreated for long periods. Treatment is with various medications prescribed by your veterinarian.

Whipworms
A highly contagious infectious worm, it lives in moist areas, and when an infected animal passes eggs in the feces these eggs may survive the environment for up to 5 years. It is transmitted by the fecal oral route. Common symptoms are sporadic diarrhea, sometimes with blood, chronic weight loss, and sometimes anemia. The incubation is 3 to 12 weeks, and may remain in the system for up to 16 months. Treatment is prescribed and administered by your veterinarian.

Tapeworms
These worms are less serious than others, but can have detrimental effects on your pet. They are spread by ingestion of raw meat, or fleas. Fleas carry the tapeworm larvae. Animals that run loose become infected by eating carrion or small animals they kill. Confined animals are more commonly infected by fleas. Symptoms are less noticeable but include, weight loss, irritability, constant appetite, shaggy coat, colic, mild diarrhea, and if left untreated for an extended period may result in emaciation, and seizures. Effective treatment must be prescribed by your veterinarian.

For more information on these or other infectious parasites, please contact your veterinarian.

Ectoparasites (External Parasites)

Fleas:
These ever present blood-sucking pests tend to cause itchiness and hair loss especially in those animals that develop an allergic sensitivity to them. They usually cause a low mortality, except in young animals where a blood loss anemia can occur. They are controlled by repeated treatment of the skin, and the environment where the animal stays, with pyrethrins, organophosphates, carbamates, and others. Fleas carry the larvae for tapeworms and pass it to their hosts.

Ticks:
These blood-sucking parasites are common on outdoor animals. Ticks are often seen engorged and embedded in the skin, where they tend to cause swelling and redness. They are common to fleas in the measures of control. Ticks carry many diseases transmissable to your pet and to YOU. They can cause paralysis of your pet if not removed, this can be reversed by veterinary treatment. Ticks carry Lyme Disease, transmissable to humans. They also carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, also transmissable to humans, which is no longer confined to the Rocky Mountain Areas. It is now found nationwide. How to Safely Remove Ticks: Active or Passive Removal? Passive removal means that no force is used whatsoever. The tick may be coated with vaseline, nail polish, or alcohol. Active removal means that the tick is pulled out with fingers or tweezers. Dr. Needham, PhD of Ohio State Univ. feels there is no merit to passive removal. Ticks are very difficult to suffocate. Ticks may be removed by hand if necessary. When doing so, protect the hands with rubber gloves, paper towels , or tissue. Because of the infectious agents in the tick that can enter the body through mucous membranes, (areas in the mouth, nose, and eyes) hands should be washed after pulling ticks from pets, children, or yourself. The most effective, and wisest method, is to use tweezers. Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with a gentle and even pressure. Do not twist or jerk as this may cause the head of the tick to be left in the skin, causing serious illness to your pet.

Ear Mites:
These mites are easily spread by direct contact and can be airborne. They are very common in dogs and cats, especially ones that stay outdoors. The common symptoms are head shaking, scratching behind the ears- sometimes causing bleeding-, an accumulation of dark brown ear wax, and sometimes redness and swelling inside the ear. The mites are killed by pyrethrins and other mitocides. An ear mite infestation can lead to a bacterial ear infection. Have your pet checked by a veterinarian if you think it has ear mites.

Ringworm:
This moderately contagious disease is spread by skin contact. It is actually a fungus infection, not a worm. The common symptoms are a rough circular patch of hair loss, most often on the head, ears, and paws. Some cats are carriers with no visible signs. General cleanliness can prevent infection. If you notice hair loss on your pet, have the pet checked by the veterinarian. Ringworm is controlled with a fungicide.

Mange:
There are two forms of Mange. Sarcoptic and Demodectic. Sarcoptic Mange is caused by a microscopic parasite, the scabies mite, which burrows into the skin causing intense itchiness, scaly skin, hair loss, red and cracked skin. This disease is rarely fatal but may cause extreme suffering. This type of mange is highly contagious, even to humans. It is treated with lindane, ivermectin, or a dip prescribed by your veterinarian. It is relatively easy to cure when treated as soon as signs are noticed.
Demodectic Mange is NOT contagious to other pets or humans. The mite responsible for this form is present in all dog's hair follicles. When the opportunity arises, from stress or immunosuppression, these mites overpopulate, pushing out the hair. Hair loss most commonly occurs around the eyes, muzzle and paws. This can become a serious disease if a secondary bacterial infection develops. Dogs can die from bacteria infecting the blood stream. This disease has also been linked as a hereditary problem. If treatment is needed, it is extensive and costly, involving several dips until every mite is eliminated. You must have your animal treated by a veterinarian if it has demodectic mange.

For more information on these or other infectious parasites, contact your veterinarian.