Worms

Worms also known as helminths are parasites which infect the intestine of your dog or cat.
Worms are transmitted to puppies and kittens by their mother’s milk if she is infected. They can also be picked up from the environment, as worm eggs are out in animal’s faeces. These eggs are then eaten by fleas, rodents or other animals such as sheep or cows. These animals are then eaten by your pet, causing them to become infected.

There are two main groups that worms fall into:

1. Tapeworms (cestodes) :

•	The most common tapeworm of dogs and cats is Dipylidium caninum. This worm breaks off segments of its body, which look like grains of rice. They can normally be seen around your pet’s anus, in its faeces or where you’re pet has been lying.

•	Echinococcus Granulosus is a worm that is rare in the UK. However it is quite important as it is zoonotic – which means that it can be passed from animals to humans. (For more • on this see later).

•	Taenia species worms affect dogs and cats. This worm is passed onto your pet by eating infected raw meat or by scavenging on dead carcasses.

2. Roundworms (nematodes):

•	Toxacara canis is one of the most common roundworms. It infects mainly younger animals. Sever infestations can cause a total blockage of the intestines. This worm is zoonotic (see later).

•	Other roundworms include hookworms, whipworms and lungworms.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO WORM YOUR PET??

Worms can cause lots of problems for your pet. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, weight loss and in severe cases blocked intestines. Worms attach themselves to your pet’s intestine, damage the surface and feed on blood and tissue fluid. In severe cases of infestation this can lead to anaemia.

Not only do worms cause problems for your pets, some of them are potentially
zoonotic- meaning they can be picked up by humans. Eggs produced by the roundworm Toxacara canis can survive in the environment for up to 2 years. As worm eggs are passed in the faeces of your pet often in parks or gardens, children can accidentally
ingest these eggs.

If an egg is eaten by a human; it will grow and move around the body. They can settle in the eye and eventually cause blindness!!!

Other worms such as Echinococcus Granulosus are also zoonotic! If humans accidentally ingest the worm, the worm will develop into a ‘hydatid cyst’. These cysts develop in major organs, including the liver, lungs and brain. These cysts can grow to the size of a football!!!!

THIS IS WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO CLEAR UP PETS MESS!!!

So now you can see why we have top worm our pets regularly. Worming treatments are available in many different forms, making it easy for you to worm your pet. They are available in tablets for dogs and cats, paste and granules for younger or smaller animals and paste for rabbits. Being a veterinary practice we are able to sell stronger treatments which you will find will work better than products available for purchase in a supermarket.
It is advisable to worm your pet every 3 -6 months, for more information on worming treatments please book an appointment for our nurse’s clinic. Our nurses can give excellent advice or assist in the worming of your pet. Please telephone 0161 764 4618 to make an appointment.