Some of the parasitic worms most frequent in the Dogs are the ones that are called Toxocara canis .We also talk about parasites that can affect humans and vice versa, which is called zoonosis, hence the importance of always following an adequate deworming calendar.
In this article of Animals and Pets Online we are going to talk about their biological cycle, what symptoms they can produce in dogs, especially in younger ones, and what treatment we should apply to combat them.Find out below everything you need about the Toxocara canis , its symptoms and treatment .
What is Toxocara canis?
The Toxocara canis is a parasitic earthworm that is located in the stomach and intestines of the dog, where it can reach a considerable length of almost 20 centimeters .Females lay a large number of highly resistant eggs in the environment, where they even survive for years.
Dogs can become infected in the prenatal period, during the pregnancy of the dog , but also through breast milk, when swallowing eggs laid in the environment or ingesting an infested prey.
The biological cycle of this parasite begins when the eggs reach the stomach .Through the blood circulation, the larvae travel to the lungs and, from them, reach the trachea and are ingested again.Back to the stomach these larvae become adult worms ready to lay eggs that, already in the soil, they are able to infect other animals , thus restarting l cycle.
What are the symptoms of Toxocara canis?
As dogs grow, they develop some resistance to Toxocara canis , which prevents many of these parasites from completing their biological cycle., some of these larvae are encyst in different parts of the body, activating, in the case of bitches, when they are in the gestation period, at which time they migrate to placenta and mammary glands.
Thus, Toxocara canis does not usually cause any symptoms in adult dogs.In puppies we could see vomiting and diarrhea intermittent, with worm expulsion With the appearance of spaghetti.Direct observation of parasites is a direct diagnostic method.
Taking a stool sample to examine under a microscope allows the identification of eggs.Puppies with serious infestations They do not grow, they are pale, with the abdomen swollen with pain on palpation and anemia.
Larvae in the lungs can lead to coughing and nausea .
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Treatment against Toxocara canis
The treatment must be prescribed by the veterinarian , since it is this professional who must identify the parasite.There are several drugs against Toxocara canis and the veterinarian will choose the most appropriate depending on the characteristics of our dog.It is important to look for a product that manages to also eliminate cystic larvae , such as milbemax.
The best way to combat Internal parasites is the prevention, that is, the establishment of a correct deworming calendar that will begin at fifteen days of life, will be repeated every two weeks until the end of vaccination and will be maintained every 3-4 months throughout the dog's life.
It is recommended to deworm pregnant female dogs in the two weeks prior to the approximate date of delivery and during breastfeeding because in this way the parasitic load of the environment decreases and reduces infestation of puppies .
Toxocara canis in humans?
Toxocara canis can affect humans, causing a disease called visceral larva migrans .Contagion in people is due to the intake of eggs , so the youngest children, who eat dirt and have hygiene habits deficit, they are the most likely to infestation.
The spaces shared by dogs and children, such as parks , can become sources of contamination.In this sense it is essential to collect always canine droppings.
The biological cycle of Toxocara canis in humans is different than in dogs because the larvae cannot reach adults.On the contrary, they cross the intestinal wall and migrate to the liver, lungs and skin .In large infestations symptoms such as abdominal pain, cough, itching or rash occur and the larvae can spread to the heart, kidneys, spleen, brain or the eyes.
Prevention in humans involves keeping animals properly wormed, especially puppies and pregnant dogs, and educating children in the basic hygiene habits .
This article is merely informative, at Animals and Pets Online we have no power to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis.We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in the event that it presents any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Toxocara canis-Symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our section of parasitic diseases.
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