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Roundworm Infection in Canines & Felines

Signs and symptoms -- Roundworms are intestinal parasites that are very commonly found in young puppies and kittens. Resembling thin spaghetti in the stools, heavy infections cause puppies to appear pot-bellied or bloated, lose weight, become anemic, and/or develop diarrhea and vomiting. Generally, infected puppies and kittens are not as active and do not grow as well as uninfected animals. Occasionally coughing will be a symptom, and heavily infested pets may actually cough up live worms.. Severe infections can cause death.

Means of Infection -- Infection may occur in a puppy while still in the uterus (infective larvae can migrate through the placenta). Nursing puppies and kittens may be infected via the mothers milk. Infective eggs may also be passed through feces contaminated soil and by eating rodents who may be carriers.

Life Cycle – Eggs hatch in the pet's intestines, then migrate through the intestinal and blood vessel walls where they are carried to the lungs. From the lungs, the larvae crawl up the trachea to the mouth (this is when the pet may have a cough and may retch worms) and are swallowed. Once back in the intestine, they then grow to adulthood – female roundworms can lay thousands of eggs daily.

Diagnosis and Treatment – Fecal (stool) examinations by trained personnel using special concentrating solutions can identify roundworm eggs (the worms themselves are not as commonly found). Since problems associated with roundworms can be quite serious, fecal examinations (and/or preventative deworming with appropriate medications) should start as early as 1 month after birth and be may be repeated every 2 to 4 weeks as deemed necessary by your veterinarian.

Owners should bring a stool sample for examination at the time of initial vaccinations. Adult dogs should have a stool sample examined for intestinal parasites (there are other things besides worms that we look for) at least yearly.

Additionally, any intestinal problem – i.e. vomiting, diarrhea – warrants having a stool sample examined to rule out the presence of internal parasites.

Fecal (stool) sample submission -- please bring stool specimens in a small ,clean sealable glass or plastic container. For your convenience, we will provide a container upon request. A fresh (within 24 hours), non-frozen specimen is definitely best. If not able to bring right in, refrigerate (not freeze) or keep in a cool sunless area until able to bring to the Hospital. An old specimen or frozen sample may no longer contain the parasite or eggs.

Fecal examinations facilitate early detection and accurate treatment, thereby preventing these parasites from causing problems. Along with vaccinations and regular checkups, a fecal examination should be part of the routine care for all pets.