What kind of symptoms do dogs get if they have worms?
Answer Sometimes a dry coughing is a sign of heartworm. Other worms might cause a drastic loss in weight or the inability to gain weight. Your dog’s stool might actually contain worms as well. Because you may not recognize the symtpoms of worms and your dog may mask pain, it’s really imperative that you have a vet check him out. Worms can be a death sentence for your dog, and they’re easily and painlessly treated by any vet. Answer Be sure your dog has ALL their shots up-dated!http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/tapeworm.htmTAPEWORM INFECTIONS Introduction to tapeworm infection Tapeworms are a group of parasites that depend on humans for growth and cause intestinal infection in them. Taeniasis or cestodiasis are the alternate names for tapeworm infections. Tapeworm infections are zoonotic infections as they are transmitted to man from animals (pig, cow, fish and dog). Human intestines provide an ambient environment for the tapeworm larvae to grow and develop into an adult. Tapeworm infections are prevalent among underdeveloped countries where sanitation is poor and among people who regularly consume raw, unwashed or undercooked beef, pork, or fish containing the cyst, eggs of the various tapeworms. The tapeworm infection can also spread from man to man through oral/anal route. The adult tapeworms can grow up to 15-20 feet in length. Infection in the intermediate hosts The adult tapeworms are large, segmented and as the name suggests are flat worms. Egg bearing segments of the worm called Proglottids are excreted in the human feces. If the excreted matter is not disposed properly and is left to mix in the water bodies and soil, then the water and soil gets contaminated. Subsequently, the intermediate hosts such as the pigs, cow, dog, rodents, sheep, cat, fish and other crustaceans, are infected with the eggs. An intermediate host is one which is infected with a parasite that will not reproduce sexually within it while a definitive host is one in which the parasite reproduces within it. The eggs then hatch inside the intermediate host and the larvae invades the intestinal wall and gets to the blood stream and is carried to the other tissues of the animals where they develop into the cyst. When people consume the under cooked meat and fish, they also take in the cyst along with the food. The cyst then develops into the adult tapeworm. People with tapeworms can also reinfect themselves Types of tapeworm There are many types of tapeworms but they are broadly classified into twoIntestinal tapeworms: The adult stage of the tapeworm���s life cycle is completed in the human intestine and man acts as a definitive host. ��� Pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) ��� Beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata) ��� Fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum) ��� Dwarf /Rat tapeworm (Hymenolepis nana and Hymenolepis diminuta) ��� Dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum)Tissue tapeworms: Humans act as an intermediate host and the tapeworm does not reach adult stages in man. Only the cysts or eggs infect the humans. ��� Pork Tapeworm (Taenia solium) ��� Hydatid Tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus) Pork tapeworm Definitive host: humans Intermediate host: pig, man. Prevalence& Distribution: It is common in Asia, Philippines, Africa, Mexico, Eastern Europe, India, China, Latin America and relatively rare in North America and in Arab countries where the onsumpion of pork s strictly prohibited. Infection is common in rural areas and in developing countries with poor hygine. Mode of infection: Pork tapeworm enters the body when man eats undercooked pork, which is infected with the larvae. Cysticercosis: This is caused by the ingestion of the pork worm larvae (bladder worms)in the stomach. The larvae enters the stomach through fecal contaminated food and water. Vomiting results in the bringing the eggs to the stomach and then when they pass go to the intestine the worms hatch out from the eggs and migrate to different areas such as the spinal cord, liver, brain (neurocysticercosis), heart, eyes, skeletal muscles and cause damage. Sometimes the larvae form a hard protective covering called the cyst (cysticerci) and migrate to various parts of the body. Symptoms: Usually it is asymptomatic.There is mild inflamation at the attachment site. Segments of the worm are seen in the feces. Mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or abdominal pain are experienced. In neurocysticercosis, the cysticerci are found in the central nervous system and can cause neurological problems. Beef tapeworm Definitive host: Humans Intermediate host: cow. The larvae and the cysticerci are found in the bladder muscles of these animals. Prevalence& Distribution: It is endemic in many countries (Africa, US, Latin America, Mexico, Europe, Philippines). The proglottids that encase the eggs have the ability to move out from the intestine through the anus and cause infections. Mode of infection: Proglottids that have the eggs in them are excreted along with the fecal matter. Contamination of the cattle feed by this human fecal matter results in ingestion of the eggs by the cattle. Then the eggs hatch in the intestine of the cattle and travel through the blood to various organs and muscle tissue. The larvae are called as cysticerci, which can cause infection in man. When man consumes improperly cooked meat (beef), which harbors the cyst, and then it results in tapeworm infection in man. Symptoms: Proglottids pass through the anus resulting in vauge gastrointestinal pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Fish tapeworm Definitive host: Humans, cats and bears. Intermediate host: Water flea, small vertebrates, fish and other crustaceans. Prevalence& Distribution: Eastern Europe, Uganda, Chile, North and South America, Scandinavia, western Russia, the Baltics, African countries and in some Asian countries where there is more consumption of freshwater fish. Mode of infection: Man who has the adult tapeworm excretes the eggs along with the feces. The eggs hatch out under optimum conditions into the ciliated larvae (coracidia). This is then ingested by the first intermediate host like the small crustacians. The crustaceans are then ingested by small freshwater fishes and the larvae develops into the sparganum which migrates into the tissue of the fish. When fishes, which harbor the larvae, are consumed by man in the raw state, the sparganum enter the human intestine and develops into an adult tapeworm. Sometimes the sparganum does not mature but moves about in the tissue and gets lodged in the sensitive areas of the eye or brain. Symptoms: It competes with the host for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestines. Hence the patient becomes deficit in vitamin B12 and suffers from Pernecious anemia. Intestinal blockage by worms can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Symptoms of pernicious anemia include easy fatigubility, numbness and tingling sensation in the limbs. Dwarf / Rat tapeworm Definitive host: Rat and humans. Intermediate host: Fleas, beetle and cockroaches. Prevalence& Distribution: It is the most common tapeworm and is distributed across Egypt, India, Latin America and rural parts of southeastern United States. It develops in areas of poor sanitation and warm climates. Mode of infection: It is the smallest tapeworm. Adult tapeworms are present in the rats or human intestine. The eggs are shed along with the feces and spread directly to man by eating food contaminated with the fecal matter. Sometimes insects ingest the eggs where it hatches to form the larvae (cysticerci). The insects later contaminate food substances consumed by man. When man/ rat intentionally or unintentionally consume the food contaminated by the insects which harbor the cyst/larvae, the cysticerci passes along with the food into the intestine and then develops into adult tapeworms. Symptoms: Abdominal pain that cannot be localized to any particular area, anorexia, diarrhea with mucus are the characteristic symptoms. In rare cases bloody diarrhea is seen. Dog tapeworm Definitive host: Humans Intermediate host: Dogs and cat fleas. Prevalence& Distribution: It is the common parasite of the domestic dog. The distribution of dog tapeworm cannot be restricted to one particular country but is seen to affect humans when they are in close association with the animal. Mode of infection: The eggs of the dog tapeworm are present in the dog���s feces, which are consumed by the fleas. The eggs hatch out and the larvae (cysticerci) grow into the immature tapeworm within the body of the flea. These fleas then bite the dogs, which swallow them. Once the cysticerci reach the dog���s intestine, they grow into adult tapeworms. Sometimes the fleas harbor the segments containing the eggs, which are ingested by the dogs and are capable of limited movements. This result in intense itching and the dog drag their backsides along the ground to relive the itching, which crushes the segments and releases the eggs out in the environment. Human beings get infected with the larval stage of the tapeworm by accidentally swallowing the fleas. This usually occurs when they allow the dogs to lick them and while crushing the fleas in between the fingernails. Once inside the human they grow into adult tapeworms. Symptoms: Mostly it is asymptomatic but some people, especially those with low immunity show symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort, weakness, fatigue etc. Hydatid tapeworm Definitive host: Carnivores such as dogs, wolves, foxes, dingos. Intermediate host: Herbivore such as sheep, pigs, kangaroos. Prevalence& Distribution: The tapeworm infection is seen in areas where there is extensive sheep farming like New Zealand, Europe, Australia, Russia. Mode of infection: Adult tapeworms are present in the dogs and the dog���s feces contain the eggs. These eggs when ingested by the sheep develop into the hydatid cyst. This cyst grows to the size of the football and breaks open releasing numerous tiny protoscolices (hydatid sand). Each has the capacity to grow into an adult tapeworm when the dog ingests it. Humans accidentally ingest the eggs from the dog feces. The hydatid cyst grows inside the tissue and starts replacing the tissue. The cyst gets lodged in the brain, liver, lungs and when ruptures cause a massive allergic reaction in man. Symptoms: Usually cyst gets accumulated in different area of the body causing cysticercosis. Due to the presence of the adult tapewom common symptons like diarrhoea and fatigue are seen. Common symptoms of tapeworm infections A tapeworm in the intestine may cause mild stomach upset and pain. Loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, general weakness, diarrhoea, hunger, bloating sensation are the other symptoms. Sometimes the tapeworm infestation can produce no symptoms. Cysticercosis: Cyst in brain and meninges results in seizures, swelling of the brain, difficulty in balance, dementia and other neurological symptoms collectively called as neurocysticercosis. Cyst in the muscle results in lumps under the skin. Cyst in the eye causes blurring of the vision and occasionally detachment of the retina. In rare cases heart lesions result in abnormal rhythms and heart failure. Spinal cord lesions result in loss of motor control, weakness and eventually cause paralysis. Diagnosis of Tapeworm infections History Patients sometimes give history of passing worms or segments of worms in the stool.Stool test: Examination of proglottids passed in the stool of the patient reveals tapeworm infections.The characteristic diagnostic feature of the beef tapeworm infection is the ability of the proglottids to crawl. Microscopic examination: Microscopic identification of the eggs is the basis of specific tapeworm infection diagnosis. Blood test: It shows elevated levels of eosinophils in the blood of the patient. Presences of large and pale red blood cells are indicative of vitamin B12 deficiency characteristic of fish tapeworm infections. Blood samples are taken from the patient to detect the presence of antibodies against the larval stage of the tapeworm. Cysticercosis: In case of neurocysticercosis an MRI, CT-scan is performed. In case of lodgment of the cyst in the muscles, liver, other areas, the tissue is taken from the affected area for biopsy and other antibody tests. Ultrasound imaging facilitates in the direct method of identification/viewing of the adult tapeworm. Prevention Thorough cooking of all meat products so that they reach temperatures of more than 135 degree Fahrenheit. Cysts can be killed by freezing the meat products for long periods (minimum of 12 hours). Drinking boiled water and avoid eating undercooked meat. Good hygiene and cultivating the practice of washing the hands with soap after using the toilet will prevent tapeworm infections in man. Proper disposal of human feces is necessary. Animals should be checked and dewormed regularly. Treatment Oral anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory drugs are administered to treat adult tapeworm infections. The drugs of choice are Niclosamide (Niclocide), Praziquantel (Biltricide) and Albendazole. It is important that the drug has the ability to eliminate the head and neck regions completely as the worm can regenerate from these parts. Vitamin B-12 injections or supplements may be needed for the treatment of megaloblastic anemia. Anti-inflammatory drugs are given to reduce swelling as a result of the action of the immune system on the dead worms. Surgery is also done in severe cases to remove the infected area or to facilitate the removal of the cyst. After 48 hours of the administration of the antihelmintic drugs the proglottids and the eggs begin to shed in the feces. Sometimes doctors may prescribe a laxative to help in the expulsion of the segments of the tapeworm. It is recommended that follow-up stool samples be examined at one month and three months after treatment has been completed. Treatment can be considered successful if no eggs are present in several stool samples. Prognosis Complete eradication of the tapeworm from the body is possible only after treatment. Serious problems arise when there is cysticercosis. But early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent the damage of the brain and liver.If not it becomes fatal and in rare cases have to depend on liver transplantation to save the patient. FAQs Can tapeworm infection be cured? Yes they can be cured completely if proper treatment is taken by the patient.2)How would you know if you have a tapeworm inside your body? Cysts/ larvae/proglottids containing eggs are passed along with the feces of the patient. This is the first and the foremost diagnosis that can tell a patient that he is suffering from tapeworm infection. Can you pass tapeworms to others? Yes. when there is poor sanitation and if the human waste is not properly disposed it results in the spread of tapeworm infection from one person to another. Are tapeworm infections fatal? No. They are not fatal but in case of Cysticercosis, when the cysticerci are lodged in the brain and diagnosis has not been made for a long time, then it can result in death if untreated. Whom do I consult in case of suspected tapeworm infection? You can approach your family doctor or a general physician who will give you the necessary medications. Glossary Anus: It is the posterior opening of the large bowel. It is the outlet of the rectum, through which fecal waste passes Anti-parasitic: Drugs used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections and some cancers. Anti-Inflammatory: Having to do with reducing inflammation. Anorexia: An abnormal loss of the appetite for food. Anorexia can be caused by cancer, AIDS, a mental disorder (i.e., anorexia nervosa), or other diseases. Asymptomatic: Having no signs or symptoms of disease. CT scan: Also called computerized axial tomography (CAT); a scanning method that uses computerized x-ray images to provide a three-dimensional picture of an internal part of the body. Cyst: A sac or capsule filled with fluid. Feces: Body waste discharged from the bowels; stool. Infection: Invasion of the body by agents (bacteria, viruses or fungi) that cause disease or tissue damage. Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements. Nausea: Nausea is the urge to vomit. It can be brought by many causes including, systemic illnesses, such as influenza, medications, pain, and inner ear disease. Parasite: An organism that lives on or within another organism at the expense of the host. Pernicious Anemia: A type of anemia (low red blood cell count) caused by the body’s inability to absorb vitamin B12. Retina: Light-sensitive layer of tissue located at the back of the eye that transmits visual images to the brain. Seizures: Convulsions; sudden, involuntary movements of the muscles. Stool Test: A test to check for hidden blood in the bowel movement.