Mt Pleasant Vet Warns of Winter Intestinal Parasites Across Country

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(Free-Press-Release.com) December 19, 2009 -- There are various types of intestinal parasites (worms) that can infect pets. The methods of infection vary and the effects on the health of your Mt Pleasant SC vet pet vary dramatically.

Method of Infection:

Pets can be infected through a variety of ways. They can become infected through contact with infected feces, either through ingestion or skin penetration. Some parasites can be transmitted from mother to offspring across the placenta or through nursing. Finally, parasites can be transmitted to your pets through the ingestion of intermediate hosts, such as fleas, rodents and rabbits.

Types of Intestinal Parasites:
The following are the most common intestinal parasite infections seen in Mt Pleasant SC 29464 dogs and cats:

TAPEWORMS: Transmitted by intermediate hosts, these parasites feed from the intestines. Clinical signs are weight loss, increased appetite and poor hair coat. This is the only parasite that is routinely shed as an adult. The worms resemble small grains of rice or, if dried out, sesame seeds.

ROUNDWORMS: This parasite is commonly found in puppies and kittens as it is transmitted across the placenta. Other means of infection are by intermediate hosts or through the soil. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, a pot-bellied appearance and poor hair coat. If the animal is heavily parasitized, an occasional adult worm (approximately five inches long and white) may be vomited or found in the feces. Usually, identification of parasitism is made through microscopic examination of feces.

HOOKWORMS: This parasite causes a serious health hazard in that it attaches directly to the intestinal wall. It can cause severe loss of blood and anemia. Clinical signs include listlessness, poor appetite, weight loss and black or bloody stool. Transmission is from the mother to the offspring through the placenta or milk. Adult dogs can become infected when the hookworm larvae is ingested or when the larvae penetrate the skin. Infestation with these worms is identified solely by microscopic identification in flotation exam.

WHIPWORMS: Primarily a canine parasite, infection occurs through ingestion of the egg. Symptoms include intermittent diarrhea, often with mucus and flecks of blood. Because eggs are shed intermittently, diagnosis is difficult, often requiring the microscopic evaluation of several samples.

COCCIDIA: These protozoal parasites are transmitted primarily by fecal-oral contamination, and primarily pose a health hazard to the very young. Once ingested, they develop in the cells of the digestive tract, causing a large amount of irritation. Coccidia is diagnosed by microscopic evaluation.

Veterinarians in Mt Pleasant SC discuss these and others found following regular wellness exams. Regular wellness examinations of pets for internal parasites by a Mt Pleasant SC vet or veterinarian in the area of the owner help ensure a quick diagnosis and treatment. http://shulervetclinic.com

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