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Name
Tapeworms, Canine
Short Description
Cestodes including Dipylidium caninum (most common) and various
Taenia species
Affected Animals: Dogs and cats.
Overview:
A common intestinal parasite, tapeworms do not
cause harm to the dogs they infect, although minor irritation to the
anal area may occur. There are two primary ways that dogs can become
infected with tapeworms. Dogs can swallow a flea accidentally when
they are chewing or licking themselves. If the swallowed adult flea
contains infective tapeworm larvae, then the dog can become infected
with the most common species of tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum. Less
commonly, dogs can become infected when they eat a rabbit or rodent,
which can harbor different species of the Taenia tapeworm.
The adult tapeworm is made up of many small segments called
proglottids, each about the size of a grain of white rice. Usually,
single proglottid segments -- which contain tapeworm eggs -- break
off the tail end of the tapeworm, and are passed into the stool.
These segments sometimes will remain visible on the dog's rear after
it has had a bowel movement. They may also crawl out of the anus
when the dog is very relaxed or sleeping.
Clinical Signs: If many tapeworms are present, mild weight loss
may occur. Other signs include scooting or dragging the rear end
across the floor due to perianal pruritus and proglottids noted
around the anus or in the feces. These segments can be moving or
pasted to the perianal fur.
Symptoms: If many tapeworms are present, mild weight loss
may occur. Other possible signs include scooting or dragging the
rear end across the floor due to mild irritation, and "white
rice-like pieces" seen in the stool or around the anus. These
segments can be moving or pasted to the fur.
Description: There are two species of tapeworms that affect dogs.
Dipylidium caninum, which an animal gets by accidentally ingesting
an adult flea containing the parasite, is the most common tapeworm
found among dogs. Taenia species are transmitted to dogs that eat
rabbits or rodents carrying these tapeworms. Neither type of
tapeworm causes significant harm to canines, although minor
irritation or itching of the anus may occur.
The adult tapeworm is composed of many small segments, called
proglottids, and can reach a length of eight inches. The mature end
segment of the tapeworm, which contains eggs, will break off and
pass into the stool. These proglottids, which have been said to
resemble "grains of white rice," may also appear on the animal's
fur, near the anus.
Diagnosis: The tapeworm infestation can be diagnosed if
tapeworm segments, which look like grains of white rice, are visible
in the stool or around the anus. In addition, a veterinarian may
perform an examination of the tapeworm eggs under a microscope to
determine the species of the tapeworm. Proglottids usually do not
show up on a routine fecal flotation test because they are too big
and heavy.
Prognosis: With proper medical treatment, the prognosis is
excellent.
Transmission or Cause: Transmission of Dipylidium caninum tapeworms
occurs when an animal swallows an adult flea that contains the
tapeworm larvae. Ingesting a rabbit or rodent harboring the parasite
results in transmission of the Taenia species of tapeworms.
Treatment: Although most over-the-counter dewormers are not
effective against tapeworms, an examining veterinarian can prescribe
medications that are very effective and will dissolve the tapeworms.
Tapeworms may return in two to three weeks after the medication is
administered if fleas are not eliminated or if the animal continues
to eat rabbits and rodents.
Prevention: Prevention of tapeworms requires strict flea
control. Dogs should be monitored to make sure they do not hunt
rabbits or rodents. In addition, many new products are available for
the prevention of both fleas and ticks.
