Worms, the curse of dog keeping and rearing in the tropics infest almost about

80% of all dogs. This is unavoidable and difficult to prevent as eggs of these

parasites are widespread and swallowed by dogs. They are picked up from

contaminated grounds, contaminated food and drink, from dust, or from other

infected dogs and sometimes through fleas.

Puppies as a rule are infected from their mothers nipples and body hairs, or may

be infected pre-natally remaining dormant until their birth. These parasites feed on

the intestinal contents of the puppy and rob them of their nourishment upsetting

their digestive system. If heavily infected, these parasites migrate and enter the stomach

from where they may be vomited.

It is not a serious problem in the adult dog unless neglected and heavily infected, but

in the pup and young stock, it can do much harm by sapping their vitality and

undermining their health and may even be fatal.

Worms are of two types: 1. Taenia or flat worms which are tape-like segmented

and flattened dorsoventrally hence the name tape-worm. It may be a few inches

to several yards long in a long chain of segments. 2. Toxocara which are around

worms or more correctly cylindrical. They are unsegmented, elongated, and

cylindrical, measuring from a few m.m. to several inches.

It must be noted that 'ringworm' is not a worm but a parasitic disease of the skin

caused by a fungus. There are five different types of worms that infect dogs.

The roundworm (ascaridis) the largest of its series, tapeworms (taenia),

hookworm (ancylostoma), the whipworm (trichuria) and the heartworm.

In addition to the above named intestinal parasites, there is a protozoal type

of bowel infection caused by the Intestinal Sporozoa, Coccidia, of which

there are four species in dog, though this has little effect in adult dogs, it can

be very harmful and troublesome in pups. They inhabit the mucous membrane

of the intestines and can be detected in the stool microscopically.

It start with a diarrhoea which may contain blood and mucus and if severe, the

pups become dehydrated and if untreated dies from convulsions. Other symptoms

closely resemble distemper.

As the stools contain large numbers of oocysts which are highly infectious, all

excreta must be disinfected and disposed of by incineration. Antibiotics and

sulphonilamides are effective in eliminating coccidiosis.

The main symptoms of worm infection are gradual loss of condition, a dry skin,

dull coat, indigestion, distended abdomen, periodic attacks of diarrhoea

sometimes blood-stained and offensive, eczema of the skin.

Treatment:

Treatment of worm infection is the duty of the Veterinarian as it requires intelligent

approach and scientific treatment.

The drugs used in the treatment of worms are called anthelmintics (anti-against,

helminths-worms). Those drugs used for destroying the worms are termed

vermicides and those that expel without killing are vermifuges. All anthelmintics

are drastic in action and poisonous. They are usually administered almost nearing

a poisonous does, so caution is necessary. We need to only kill the worm and

not the dog, and therefore, should only be administered under veterinary advice.

Each type of worm has its own specific drug, therefore it is important that the

type of worm is known before treatment. There may be a multiple infection

(hookworm and ascaridis). This is a simple test based on the fact that worms

lay large number of eggs in the intestinal tract and are passed out in the faeces

which when examined microscopically can be identified before the appropriate

medicament is administered.

Worms are not always the cause of illness in the dog or pup, suspect, but do not

treat unless microscopic examination reveals a heavy infection:

There are certain rules that must be followed before treatment:

(1)  A naked eye inspection of the stool may reveal the whole or part of the worm.

(2)  A specific diagnosis must be made first, i.e., the stool must be examined

microscopically for presence of eggs and type identified.

(3)  The age and condition of the dog or pup must be assessed such as presence

of anaemia, kideny disease, pregnancy. Pups should not be wormed before they

are at least six weeks and then only by a mild anthelmentic, unless there is evidence

of heavy infection when the pup can be treated earlier, but only under veterinary

advice.

(4) Glucose preceding the worming prevents toxic results.

(5) The dog must be prepared for treatment. A light fluid meal the day previous without

absorbable fats and a mild purgative such as milk of magnesia the night before.

(6) The anthelmentic is given on an empty stomach early morning and followed by

a saline purgative such as epsom salts or two ounces of saturated solution of sodium

supphate two hours later. If the bowels have not acted repeat the saline purgative.

Castor oil is not recommended. A good evacuation of the bowel is important so as

to eliminate parasites that might recover in the intestine or they might be disintegrated

and absorbed giving rise to toxic symptoms and at the same time removing the drugs

that may be left in, thereby reducing toxicity.

No food should be given until the bowels are moved.

(7) A follow -up examination of the stools and repeat treatment after 10 days should

eggs be found in the stools.