Tapeworms in dogs and cats

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Tapeworms (Cestodes) are intestinal parasites found in just about any type of pet including reptiles, birds, gerbils, horses, and companion animals. They do not cause any serious disease, but will absorb your pet’s nutrients and could indicate an underlying flea problem.

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

Tapeworms are flat worms with segments that attach themselves to the intestinal wall and continue to grow segments, each with it’s own digestive and reproductive system. 

The most common species of tapeworm that infect dogs and cats are:

• Dipylidium caninum
• Taenia species
• Echinococcus granulosus and E. multiocularis
• Diphyllobothrium latum
• Spirometra mansonoides

Tapeworms are spread by ingesting a flea or louse that has in turn ingested a tapeworm egg. The egg turns into an immature form inside the insects gut, and once ingested by your pet, will become an adult. It is possible to get tapeworms from eating infected dead animals or prey, such as rodents. Hunting dogs and animals in a rural setting are most susceptible to contracting tapeworms this way. 

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Small white "rice grains" visible in the stool or around your pet’s anus
• Excessive licking around the anus
• Itchiness due to flea infestation
• Variable appetite
  
• Weight loss in severe cases
• Diarrhea
  

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam. Your veterinarian will be most likely do the following:

• Physical Exam - It is sometimes possible to see tapeworm segments in and around the anus or in your pet’s stool.
  
  
• Fecal Floatation - This test is used to determine the presence of parasite eggs in your pet’s stool. It involves taking a small fecal sample from your dog using a lubricated fecal loop. The feces is then put in a small container with a solution that will allow most of the fecal matter to sink and the parasite eggs to float. A slide is then made of the floating material and examined under a microscope. The slide is then scanned for tapeworm eggs.
  

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

Your veterinarian will likely give your pet a praziquantel medication such as Droncit orally or as an injectable. Two other drugs are epsiprantel (Cestex) or fenbendazole (Panacur). Usually only one dose of medication is needed to treat the tapeworms.
Your pet will be placed on a flea preventative as a preventative measure.

PREVENTION & HELPFUL TIPS

To prevent a tapeworm infestation in your pet:

• Regular fecal exams can help detect infestations early.
  
  
• Tapeworm infection is easily prevented by keeping your pet on a flea preventative.

Though it is extremely rare, it is possible for you to contract tapeworms from your pets. Ingestion of infected fleas or adult lice can lead to tapeworm infections in humans, though it is most common in young children.

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