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Parasites It is important to have your pet checked for intestinal parasites by submitting a fresh stool sample once per year. If the sample is positive, you may have to treat as directed by your veterinarian. Also, if your pet has been treated for intestinal parasites, it is important to submit a follow--up stool sample thirty days after the final treatment is given. Occasionally, extra treatments are required. Internal Parasites Hookworm Hookworms are tiny worms (2cm long) that attach to the intestinal lining of dogs and cats with hook-like teeth and feed on the cat's blood. Hookworms move around constantly as they feed, leaving many bleeding wounds. Severe hookworm infections can cause impaired growth, anemia, weakness, weight loss, dermatitis and a rough coat. Hookworms can be spread from the mother to her puppies or kittens before they are born and during nursing. They can also be contracted by coming in contact with the stools of other dogs or cats or by ingesting the stool. Roundworm This type of worm lives in the intestines of both dogs and cats sucking blood and releasing eggs that are excreted in the feces. Roundworms are more serious to puppies and kittens possibly causing vomiting and diarrhea. These worms are contracted in a similar fashion to hookworms. If left untreated, worms will multiply and could eventually cause a blockage of the intestine, which can be fatal. Whipworm Whipworms are 2-3 inch long parasites that burrow into the large intestine and cecum of dogs, causing severe bowel inflammation. In large numbers they cause bloody diarrhea and weight loss. Eggs are passed in feces and can live in the environment for years. Tapeworm Tapeworms are found anchored to the wall of the small intestine by hooks or suckers and share the pet's food. They are most commonly transmitted through fleas, so if your pet has or has had fleas, it may have tapeworms too. They can also be transmitted through a rodents or birds. Animals do not develop resistance to tapeworms and are readily re-infected. The worms shed segments intermittently and may be found in the feces, in the fur or even on furniture, carpets or clothing. These segments resemble white rice. Tapeworms are rarely found on fecal analyses done in the clinic therefore be sure to inform your veterinarian of your pets habits and check for tapeworm segments routinely. Coccidia Coccidia is a general term used to describe a number of single-celled parasites that live in the gut. They commonly cause problems in your pets but adults can also be affected. Transmission occurs from animal to animal through feces. Diarrhea, which may be mucous-like and bloody is the main sign. It can be complicated by loss of appetite, weakness, dehydration and anemia. If allowed to continue untreated in your pets, this infection can cause death. Heartworm Click here for information on heartworm.
External Parasites Earmites Earmites are more common in cats. They are small parasites that feed on fluid in the cats ear tissue. Bacterial infection is a common complication and left untreated can cause deafness and severe discomfort. Symptoms include: itching around the ears, shaking of the head, and excessive wax production. Ear mites are transmitted from cat to cat. For diagnosis and treatment consult your veterinarian. Ticks Ticks are common in wildlife animals and dogs, which run in meadows or treed areas. Ticks feed on the blood of the animal and rarely move around the animal since the mouthparts are buried in the skin. If you observe a tick on your pet, please call the clinic for further instructions on how to remove the tick and for further information on additional problems, which may occur. Fleas Click here for information about fleas.
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