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Hookworm Infection in dogs

Hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum, is fairly common, and can be a significant problem, especially in heavy infestations in puppies, and sometimes in older dogs as well. These worms are not easily seen by the naked eye.  They fasten to the wall of the small intestine and suck blood.  Signs vary -- for example, bloody diarrhea and dehydration may be the most prominent signs in some dogs, however in some the primary signs might be weight loss, weakness, and anemia.  Intense blood loss can result in rapid death of young puppies!  In older dogs, there may be no problems seen at all -- these dogs are often the source of infestation for others.  

Infestation - occurs by: 

• Ingestion of soil (or items containing soil) contaminated with hookworm eggs or larvae (the most common method)
  
  
• Penetration of the skin by hookworm larvae
  
  
• Passage of hookworm larvae to the puppy in the uterus, or through the mother's milk after birth

Diagnosis - special tests are often needed to concentrate the eggs so they can be seen under the microscope.  Even so, not all stool samples will necessarily contain the hookworm eggs we look for.  To aid in diagnosis, bring a fresh, preferably less than 24 hour old, stool sample -- if there has been diarrhea, bring the firmest sample available. 

Treatment - animals infected with hookworms should be treated with an appropriate medication.  Please follow instructions.  Often the treatment requires more than one treatment or an on-going program that may be included with the monthly heartworm medication since re-infestation can occur.  Regardless, we suggest you also clean the yard or area of stool, or even better - use an area that infested dogs are not likely to have used.

Public Health
In people, the larvae of some hookworm species can penetrate and migrate under the skin, causing a disorder known as cutaneous larval migrans. This condition is rare, but if cutaneous larval migrans is suspected, consult your physician.