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Name
Whipworms, Canine
Short Description
Trichuris vulpis
Affected Animals: Dogs. Very rarely, cats are affected by
whipworms.
Overview:
Whipworms are whip-shaped parasites that upon
entry into a dog's gastrointestinal tract usually attach to the
dog's large intestine and cecum. The cecum is a blind pouch
extending off the large intestine that has its own valve and can be
compared to the appendix in humans. Dogs can get whipworms by eating
dirt that contains the infective eggs of the adult parasite.
Whipworms are a dangerous parasite because they can cause intestinal
inflammation, bleeding, and sometimes the loss of protein. Puppies
with heavy infections can become seriously ill. Occasionally in
severe cases of infestation, whipworms can alter the dog's potassium
and sodium electrolytes causing central nervous system problems such
as seizures.
Clinical Signs: Clinical signs include diarrhea that may contain
mucus and blood; weight loss; and in severe cases, electrolyte
abnormalities such as hyponatremia and hyperkalemia that may cause
seizures.
Symptoms:
See Clinical Signs.
Description: Whipworms are parasites that use their
whip-shaped bodies to attach themselves to a dog's cecum and large
intestine, where they cause irritation and damage to the lining of
the intestines. The worms can cause inflammation, bleeding, and
sometimes the loss of protein from the intestines. Whipworms have
been known to cause seizures that may be due to the electrolyte
disturbances affecting the central nervous system. Puppies who get
this parasite can become seriously ill.
Diagnosis: To diagnose whipworms, the veterinarian will
perform a procedure called a fecal flotation examination that uses a
microscope to identify whipworm eggs. Sometimes multiple fecal
samples are needed to find the eggs for two reasons: they are not
always passed every time the dog has a bowel movement, and the eggs
are passed in smaller numbers than those of other parasites.
Prognosis: With proper medical treatment, the prognosis is
excellent.
Transmission or Cause: Transmission of whipworms occurs when a dog eats
soil containing whipworm eggs that have matured to the infective
stage, a process that takes about one month. The infective eggs are
very hard to kill and are resistant to both heat and drying; they
can survive in the dirt for a very long time -- from several months
to years. Thus, even if the dog is treated for whipworms,
re-infection is common if the environment is not kept clean and free
of feces.
Treatment: Treatment of whipworms involves the use of
medications such as fenbendazole, which is given daily for three
days, again three to four weeks later, and then again after a three
month period. Treatment is needed in repeat dosages because
whipworms take three months to mature. The examining veterinarian
will be able to prescribe the appropriate medications, dosages and
treatment plan.
Prevention: Prevention is accomplished by treating the
infected animal for whipworms, and keeping the dog's environment
clean and free of feces.
