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Name
Roundworm Infection, Feline
Short Description
Ascarid infection
Affected Animals: Cats or dogs. Kittens are affected more commonly
than adult cats. Outdoor cats are more likely to become infected
with roundworms, especially if they hunt.
Overview:
The intestinal parasite that affects cats most
often, feline roundworms are an especially common problem among
kittens and outdoor cats that hunt. There are two species of the
roundworm, or ascarid, which infect cats: Toxocara cati and Toxocara
leonina. These worms can be passed on to kittens in the milk they
nurse from their infected mother; cats also may get them by eating
small animals that harbor the parasite. In addition, a cat may
become infected by licking its paw after walking on soil
contaminated with infective roundworm eggs.
Diarrhea and vomiting are common symptoms of roundworm infestation,
and, when severe, can lead to dehydration. Generally, the infection
has a more serious impact on kittens than on adult cats, which may
show no outward symptoms of the disease. Nevertheless, all cats and
kittens, even those who are asymptomatic, should be dewormed because
roundworms can cause illness in humans.
Young children who play in uncovered sandboxes or dirt where outdoor
cats have been known to defecate are especially at risk for
contracting the parasite. Although uncommon, roundworm infection can
lead to serious diseases in humans, including blindness and
disorders of the central nervous system.
Clinical Signs: Usually, signs are noted only in kittens with
moderate to heavy worm burdens. Abdominal discomfort, vomiting,
diarrhea, potbellied appearance, dull haircoat, unthriftiness, and
stunted growth can occur. Adult roundworms sometimes can be seen in
vomit or diarrhea. Cats with mild infections usually will be
asymptomatic or have a loss of body condition.
Symptoms: Usually, signs are noted only in kittens that are
moderately to heavily infested with roundworms. Abdominal
discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, potbellied or bloated appearance,
dull or unkempt fur, general appearance of poor health, or stunted
growth can occur. The white, tubular adult roundworm sometimes can
be seen in the vomit or diarrhea. These adults have been said to
look like half pieces of spaghetti noodles. Cats with mild
infections usually will have no signs or mild loss of body
condition.
Description:
The most common intestinal parasite found in
cats, roundworms most often infect kittens and outdoor animals.
Adult cats can become infected by eating small animals that harbor
the parasite or by licking their paws after walking on soil
contaminated with the infective roundworm larvae. While adult cats
usually have no notable signs of infection or very mild symptoms,
kittens -- who usually get the worms while nursing from an infected
mother cat -- are likely to develop gastrointestinal problems, such
as vomiting and diarrhea. Additional serious complications may occur
when the roundworms, or ascarids, migrate within the wall of the
gastrointestinal tract or through other organs, such as the liver,
lungs, and eyes. Roundworms are treatable with medication.
There are two species of the ascarid that infect cats, Toxocara cati
and Toxocara leonina. The Toxocara cati roundworm also can affect
humans, particularly young children who come into contact with the
parasite when playing in a sandbox contaminated with feces from an
infected cat; outdoor cats often use a sandbox or other area of
loose soil as a litter box. While direct contact with an infected
cat is not likely to lead to human exposure to the disease, litter
boxes should be cleaned out daily so that any roundworm eggs shed
into the feces will not pose a danger.
Humans who become infected with roundworms can suffer severe
symptoms, including skin rash, fever, abnormalities of the central
nervous system, coughing, enlargement of the liver or spleen, and
vision problems such as blindness. Although human infections are
rare, all kittens should be dewormed to prevent transmission of the
parasite. Outdoor cats should have a periodic test for worms and be
treated as needed.
Diagnosis: The veterinarian will diagnose a roundworm
infection by evaluating the symptoms, physical exam, and assessing
the results of a routine fecal floatation test. This test involves
looking for floating roundworm eggs using a microscope. Roundworm
adults usually produce large numbers of eggs, making detection of
them fairly easy.
Prognosis: The prognosis is good if cats and kittens are
treated before infected with a large number of worms. Some kittens
can have stunted growth if the worm infection overwhelms the ability
to ingest enough nutrients. Although uncommon, some roundworm
infestations can be numerous enough to cause intestinal blockage and
possible death.
Transmission or Cause: Roundworm infection can occur when a mother
cat infected with the parasite nurses her kittens. The stress of
pregnancy results in the mother cat becoming re-infested by
roundworms. As the mother's immune system weakens, the larvae --
infective stage of a worm -- that were being held dormant in her
muscle tissues can become active again or new larvae can be
ingested. These are then passed through the milk to the nursing
kittens.
In addition, adult cats that ingest infective eggs -- usually by
cleaning their paws after stepping on the eggs -- will get
roundworms. Outdoor cats that hunt may develop a roundworm infection
if they eat prey that hosts the parasite. If infective roundworm
eggs are picked up from the soil onto the paws, a cat can become
infected by ingesting them while grooming.
Treatment: Several dewormers are effective against
roundworms. The examining veterinarian usually gives kittens
pyrantel pamoate or some other medication safe for use in young
animals. Use caution if purchasing over-the-counter dewormers since
many do not eliminate all of the types of ascarids that commonly
infect cats. Cats and kittens can be sensitive to medications and
only should be given ones known to be safe. The examining
veterinarian will know which products are safe and most effective.
Prevention: Young kittens should receive multiple treatments
with a safe and effective dewormer in order to eliminate and prevent
disease and contamination of the environment with roundworm eggs.
Roundworm prevention is essential because of the potential human
health threat.
