Round worms infest cats, dogs, humans
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from August 1984.
Brought to you by
Also, are humans susceptible to dog and cat roundworms? A. It has been said that virtually every newborn puppy is infected with the large roundworm, Toxocara canis.
Prior to birth, the infective roundworm larvae can pass from the tissues of the bitch to the puppies via the placenta. Immediately following birth, the infective larvae can be passed to the. puppies in the first milk, colostrum. Later, puppies may become infected by ingestion of infective eggs obtained from their mother or environment.
In unborn and newborn puppies, the larvae are carried by the large blood vessels to the lungs where they enter the air passages. They then pass up the tracheobronchial tree into the mouth. From the mouth they are swallowed and pass down the esophagus, through the stomach, and on into the small intestines. In the small intestines, the larvae develop into reproductive adults.
Puppies first begin to discharge roundworm eggs in their feces three to four weeks following birth.
Adult dogs can become infected with roundworms by ingesting foods contaminated by stools from infected dogs. Roundworm eggs can also be trasmitted by rodents, birds, insects. and earthworms. Dogs become infected by eating any of these animals containing infective larvae.
The most common roundworm found in cats is Toxocara cati. Infection occurs by ingestion of infective eggs or of small animals containing encysted larvae. Apparently, infection of the kittens does not occur prior to birth.
A third roundworm, Toxascaris leonia, infects both dogs and cats of any age. Infection occurs by ingestion of infective eggs or of small animals containing encysted larvae.
The first indication of roundworm infection in puppies or kittens is lack of growth and poor condition. Infected animals have a dull haircoat and are often potbellied. They may have diarrhea, flatulence, vomiting, and lack of energy. Worms may be vomited and are often voided in the stools.
In the early stages, lung damage may occur due to migrating larvae. This may cause the infected animal to cough frequently. Any puppy or kitten that is doing poorly should be suspected of having roundworms. Diagnosis is usually based on finding roundworm eggs in the stools of infected animals. The eggs are very small and can only be seen with a microscope.
There are several medications that are effective in treating dogs and cats with roundworm infections.
Soil once contaminated with roundworm eggs may continue to be a source of infection for years. Earthen runs soon become heavily contaminated with infective eggs. Concrete runs or pens can be sanitized and provide a far less favorable environment for roundworm egg survival. Routine examinations of stools, treatment of infected dogs, and good sanitation are required to control roundworm infections in dogs and cats.
