Tape worms in Dogs and Cats

The tapeworm’s life cycle is very different from most other kinds of intestinal parasites that commonly infest dogs and cats.

Unlike most intestinal parasites, tapeworms cannot be contracted directly from eggs found in the soil or in fecal material.{{more}} Instead, these parasites are contracted when the dog or cat eats a secondary carrier of the tapeworm, such as a flea or rodent that is infested with a tapeworm. Once inside the intestine these worms grow larger and feed on the digesting materials present in the intestine. Because the worm is consuming the nutrients intended for the animal, sometimes weight loss can occur.

Other types of intestinal parasites are usually diagnosed when the Veterinarian performs a fecal examination and identifies under a microscope the eggs of the parasite. Tapeworm egg, however, are rarely seen in a fecal examination. Tapeworm infestation is usually diagnosed when the owner or veterinarian sees what looks like small white grains of rice in the stool or notices what looks like cucumber seeds stuck in the hair of the pet. The “grains of rice” are actually pieces of the worm called segments.

The segments carry the eggs that eventually develop into new tapeworms. Once the segment is outside of the body, it begins to disintegrate until only the eggs are left. Eventually, the eggs are ingested (eaten) by larvae of fleas and remain in the body of the flea, growing and developing as the flea does. When the adult flea is ingested by another cat or dog, in the process of grooming or licking themselves, the tapeworm is introduced into the new animal and the cycle begins all over again.

For further information, contact:

Dr. Collin Boyle

Unique Animal Care Co. Ltd.

Tele: 456 4981

Website: www.uniqueanimalcare.com