Last Week: HOW TO Treat Your Dog’s Liver Shunt
Did you know that there are four internal parasites that affect canines the most? They are roundworm, tapeworm, hookworm and the smallest of the four, the whipworm.
According to PetMD, the richuris trichiura parasite is “generally transmitted by ingesting infested matter, although whipworms can be contracted from other infected animals. Whipworm eggs can live in an environment anywhere from a few months to years, and can be present in soil, food or water, as well as in feces or animal flesh.”
There is no age limit as to when your dog can contract the parasite and it can not be transmitted to humans.
Vetinfo.com states, “Whipworms lives in the large intestine, where a canine absorbs all his nutrients. The worms embed their heads in the tissue and suck blood. Eggs are laid in the large intestine and then passed into the stool, where they absorb in the soil and form embryos in two to four weeks.”
The front of the worm is very slim compared to its thicker tail, which gives the worm the whip-like shape that it is named for.
What Causes Whipworms?
Vetinfo.com says, “The new host is infected by consuming the egg of the whipworm, usually during grooming. The egg hatches in the small intestine releasing a larva. The larva dives into the local glandular tissue and after about a week emerges into the small intestine and is carried downstream into the large intestine with the digested food. Once in the cecum or large intestine, its permanent home, it embeds in the tissue there, and after a total 74-87 days from the time the egg was swallowed, the young whipworm is ready to mate.”
What are the Symptoms of Whipworms?
According to petMD.com, these are the symptoms you should be on the alert for if you suspect your dog has contracted whipworms:
Large bowel inflammation
Dehydration
Weight loss
Dull coat
Vetinfo.com mentions, “In severe cases, whipworm may penetrate through the intestinal wall, resulting in an inflammation that causes the intestine to stick to the body. You may be alerted to this condition if your dog frequently licks his right flank area.”
How are Whipworms Diagnosed?
According to vetinfo.com, “Dogs do not begin to shed the whipworm in their stool until about three months after being infected, so it is difficult to detect whipworm with a typical fecal test once the symptoms begin. Adult worms are 4.5-7.5 centimeters long, recognized by their distinct whip shape.”
Whipworm eggs are yellowish-brown in color and barrel-shaped with a smooth shell. A frightening fact is that a female can lay up to 2,000 eggs in a single day.
How are Whipworms Treated?
Marvistavet.com states, “More recently, regular heartworm prevention products have been developed to remove and control whipworms: Sentinel and Interceptor both will cover whipworms and their regular use covers the second deworming as well.”
It adds, “Heartgard products do not carry a high enough dose of ivermectin to kill whipworms, though other doses of ivermectin could be used.”
How Can You Prevent Whipworms?
Vetinfo warns, “Though this is a common canine parasite, it can be very difficult to identify and treat. If you suspect whipworm in your yard, it may take years for the parasites to die, so put your dog on a dewormer and consider keeping him out of the yard on dry gravel and cement, where he cannot contract it.”
The best way to prevent a whipworm infection is to avoid placing your dog in closed or crowded quarters with other animals, as well as sanitizing his environment, according to petMD.com.
PHOTOS: shinealight, wikimediacommons, The Moonstone Archive
Find A Vet HOW TO articles are intended for informational purposes only. You should always consult with your veterinarian about any health issues affecting your dog.
Category : HOW TO
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