Pet Tips
Internal Parasites
Internal parasites are those that infect the "inside"
of pets. Unlike external parasites, we
don't see these parasites, but they can have devastating effects
on pet and human health.
Heartworm disease
is an emerging concern - with positive cases in Nova Scotia and
the other Atlantic provinces in recent years. Heartworm has been
diagnosed in all Canadian provinces and all American states. It
is a blood-borne parasite transmitted by mosquitoes- an abundant
summer inhabitant! An immature form of heartworm (microfilaria)
is transmitted from infected animals to other pets when the mosquito
takes a bloodmeal. Microfilaria go through a maturation process
then migrate to the vessels of the heart and lungs. Here they
mature into adult heartworms able to reproduce and release microfilaria
into the bloodstream of the pet. Heartworm can be devastating
and animals do not show clinical signs until late in the course
of disease. The importance in heartworm testing is to identify
positive dogs for early treatment AND to help prevent the spread
of disease. Prevention is the key in keeping the disease from
becoming more prevalent in our area. Dog owners should speak to
their veterinarians about heartworm preventative. Cat owners need
not worry as Heartworm disease has not been diagnosed in cats
in our area.
Intestinal parasites
(aka worms) include many different types including round, hook
and tapeworms. Some of these infect pets only while others are
said to be zoonotic and can be transmitted to people.
Roundworms are the
most common intestinal parasite and are zoonotic. Most puppies
and kittens are infected at birth or at a young age. A deworming
series should be performed in all kittens and puppies. Adult pets
should be dewormed on a routine basis as well. In pets, roundworms
may cause vomiting, diarrhea and a "potbellied" appearance.
Transmission to people is via the ingestion of roundworm eggs.
The most important mode of transmission is contact with infective
soil and sand in children's play areas. Another transmission mode
is direct contact with an infective pet. Once ingested by people,
eggs develop into larvae. These larvae can travel from the intestinal
tract to different parts of the body causing tissue damage. Larval
migration through the eyes can cause vision problems and other
ocular diseases.
Hookworm infections
in animals occur when through the ingestion of eggs, via milk
from the mother or as larva penetrate through the skin. Infected
animals may exhibit weight loss, poor coat, vomiting or diarrhea.
This worm is also zoonotic causing skin irritation in people when
larva migrate through the skin where they eventually die.
Tapeworm infections
are limited to your pet - transmitted to animals through fleas
and hunting! They rarely cause any problems except for an itchy
hind-end as "rice-like" segments of the worm pass from
the anus but not esthetically-pleasing to humans.
The key to prevention/treatment of intestinal parasites
is routine deworming especially during months of higher challenge
(spring, summer, fall) along with annual fecal testing. Hygiene
is of the utmost important as well - immediate removal of stool
is vital along with the covering of sandboxes while not in use.
For more information on internal parasites, contact
your veterinarian. Wishing you a happy and parasite-free season
from everyone at Vetcetera Animal Hospital!
Articles by Dr. Emma Raghavan
Appearing in the Halifax Daily News
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