Whipworms, Hookworms, Roundworms, Tapeworms Information
 

Whipworms
(Trichuriasis)

Whipworms are small thread-like parasites that embed deep within the lining of the colon (large intestine) and cecum. Trichuris vulpis, the canine whipworm, is a common parasite and is a major cause of diarrhea in the dog. The feline whipworms, Trichuris campanula and Trichuris serrata, are uncommon and usually do not produce any clinical symptoms.

Whipworms infect dogs of all ages. Clinical symptoms often depend upon the number of parasites embedded in the colon and cecum. Symptoms can range from slight diarrhea to massive rectal bleeding. In most dogs, a mucoid-like diarrhea is generally observed.

The diagnosis of whipworm infection is made by observing the characteristic parasite eggs under a microscopic. This test is routinely performed at most veterinary hospitals. A small stool sample is necessary in order to run the test.

Medication is available for the treatment of whipworm infection. Very often, pets need multiple treatments in order to eliminate the parasite. Your veterinarian can discuss the method of treatment that is best suited for your pet.

Whipworm is extremely difficult to eliminate from infected soil. Dogs that have access to these areas often reinfect continuously. A specific treatment protocol is usually required for these dogs

[Symptoms] [suggest ear mites?] [OTC?] [which drug to use?] [Treatment] [Prognosis] [Importance of Treatment] [Closed Canal] [Surgery] [Complete closure] [Medication]

Infections of the external ear canal (outer ear) by bacteria or yeast, are one of the most common types of infections seen in dogs.  We call this otitis externa. 

Some breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels and Miniature Poodles, seem more prone to ear infections, but they may occur in any breed.

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?
A dog with an ear infection is uncomfortable; its ear canals are sensitive.  It shakes its head trying to get the debris and fluid out, and it scratches its ears.  The ears often become red and inflamed and develop an offensive odor.  A black or yellowish discharge commonly occurs.

Don't these symptoms usually suggest ear mites?
Ear mites can cause several of these symptoms, including a black discharge, scratching, and head shaking.  However, ear mite infections generally occur most commonly in puppies.  Ear mites in adult dogs occur most frequently after a puppy carrying mites is introduced into the household.  Sometimes, ear mites will create an environment within the ear canal which leads to a secondary infection with bacteria and yeast (fungus).  By the time the dog is presented to the veterinarian, the mites may be gone, but a significant ear infection remains.  

Since these symptoms are similar and usually mean an infection, can I just come by and get some medication?
There are several kinds of bacteria and at least one type of fungus which might cause an ear infection.  Without knowing the kind of infection present, we do not know which drug to use.  In some cases, the ear infection may be caused by a foreign body or tumor in the ear canal.  Treatment with medication alone will not resolve these problems.  Also, the dog must be examined to be sure that the eardrum is intact.  Administration of certain medications can result in loss of hearing if the eardrum is ruptured.  This determination is made by the veterinarian and must be done in the office.

How do you find out which drug to use?
First, the ear canal is examined with an otoscope, an instrument that provides magnification and light.  This permits a good view of the ear canal.  This examination allows us to determine whether the eardrum is intact and if there is any foreign material in the canal.  When a dog is in extreme pain and refuses to allow the examination, it must sometimes be completed under sedation or anesthesia. 

The next step is to examine a sample of the material from the ear canal to determine which organism is causing the infection.  This is called cytology.  Examination of that material under the microscope is very important in helping the veterinarian choose the right medication to treat the inflamed ear canal.

How are ear infections treated?
The results of the otoscopic examination and cytology tell us what to do.  If there is a foreign body or tick lodged in the ear canal, the dog is sedated so that it can be removed.  As stated previously, some dogs have such a heavy buildup of debris that sedation is needed to cleanse the canal and examine it completely. 

Cytologic study of debris from the ear canal dictates which drug to use.  Sometimes, it reveals the presence of more than one type of infection (i.e., a bacterium and a fungus, or two kinds of bacteria); this situation usually requires the use of multiple medications or a broad-spectrum medication.

An important part of the evaluation of the patient is the identification of underlying disease.  Many dogs with chronic or recurrent ear infections have allergy problems or low thyroid function (hypothyroidism).  If underlying disease is found, it must be diagnosed and treated, if at all possible.  If this cannot be done, the dog is less likely to have a favorable response to treatment.  Also, the dog might respond temporarily, but the infection will relapse at a later time (usually when ear medication is discontinued). 

What is the prognosis?
Nearly all ear infections that are properly diagnosed and treated can be cured.  However, if an underlying cause remains unidentified and untreated, the outcome will be less favorable.  A progress check may be needed before the process is completed, but we expect ultimate success. 

How important is it to treat an ear infection?
Dogs with ear infections are miserable.  Their ears are a source of constant pain resulting in head shaking and scratching.  However, that is not the only problem.  Head shaking and scratching can also cause broken blood vessels in the ear flap, requiring surgery, and chronic ear infections can penetrate the ear drum and result in an internal ear infection. 

My dog's ear canal is nearly closed.  Is that a problem?
Closing of the ear canal is another result of a chronic ear infection.  There are medications that can shrink the swollen tissues and open the canal in some dogs.  However, some cases will eventually require surgery.

What is the purpose of surgery?
The surgery for a closed ear canal is called a lateral ear resection.  Its purposes are to remove the vertical part of the ear canal and to remove swollen tissue from the horizontal canal.  Removing the vertical canal should be successful, but removal of large amounts of tissue from the horizontal canal is more difficult.  In some cases, the ear canal is surgically obliterated.  This solves the canal problem, but it leaves the dog deaf on that side.

What can be done if the ear canals are completely closed?
The most severe consequence of a chronic ear infection is total closure and hardening of the ear canal.  When this occurs, the lateral ear resection will no longer be helpful.  The appropriate surgery for this situation is an ear canal obliteration.  The entire ear canal is surgically removed.  Since severe scarring and calcification occur, this can be a lengthy surgical procedure requiring a skilled veterinary surgeon.

Is there anything I need to know about getting medication in the ear?
It is important to get the medication into the horizontal part of the ear canal.  Be aware that the dog's external ear canal is "L" shaped.  The vertical canal connects with the outside of the ear; the horizontal canal lies deeper in the canal and terminates at the eardrum.  The ear canal may be medicated by following these steps:

1)  Gently pull the ear flap straight up and hold it with one hand.
2)  Apply a small amount of medication into the vertical part of the ear canal while continuing to keep the ear flap elevated.  Hold this position long enough for the medication to run down to the turn between the vertical and horizontal canal.
3)  Put one finger in front of and at the base of the ear flap, and put your thumb behind and at the base.
4)  Massage the ear canal between your finger and thumb.  A squishing sound tells you that the medication has gone into the horizontal canal.
5)  Release the ear and let your dog shake its head.  If the medication contains a wax solvent, debris will be dissolved so it can be shaken out. 
6)  If another medication is to be used, apply it in the same manner.
7)  When all medications have been applied, clean the outer part of the ear canal and the inside of the ear flap with a cotton ball soaked with a small amount of rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol.  Do not use cotton tipped applicators to do this as they tend to push debris back into the vertical ear canal.
 

[What is Parvo] [Infection route?] [Effects] [Diagnosis] [Treatment?] [Survival] [Prevention] [Viral Particles] [Health Risks?]

What is Canine Parvo?
Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a relatively new disease that appeared in 1978. Because of the severity of the disease and its rapid spread through the canine population, CPV has aroused a great deal of public interest. The virus that causes it is very similar to feline distemper, and the two diseases are almost identical. Therefore, it has been speculated that the canine virus is a mutation of the feline virus. However, that has never been proven.
 

How does a dog become infected with parvovirus?
The causative agent of CPV disease, as the name infers, is a virus. The main source of the virus is the feces of infected dogs. The stool of an infected dog can have a high concentration of viral particles. Susceptible animals become infected by ingesting the virus. Subsequently, the virus is carried to the intestine where it invades the intestinal wall and causes inflammation.
Unlike most other viruses, CPV is stable in the environment and is resistant to the effects of heat, detergents, and alcohol. CPV has been recovered from dog feces even after three months at room temperature. Due to its stability, the virus is easily transmitted via the hair or feet of infected dogs, contaminated shoes, clothes, and other objects. Direct contact between dogs is not required to spread the virus. Dogs that become infected with the virus and show clinical signs will usually become ill within 7-10 days of the initial infection.
 

How does this disease affect the dog?
The clinical manifestations of CPV disease are somewhat variable, but generally take the form of severe vomiting and diarrhea. The diarrhea may or may not contain blood. Additionally, affected dogs often exhibit a lack of appetite, depression, and fever. It is important to note that many dogs may not show every clinical sign, but vomiting and diarrhea are the most common signs; vomiting usually begins first. Parvo may affect dogs of all ages, but is most common in dogs less than one year of age. Young puppies less than five months of age are often the most severely affected and the most difficult to treat.
 

How is it diagnosed?
The clinical signs of CPV infection can mimic other diseases causing vomiting and diarrhea; consequently, the diagnosis of CPV is often a challenge for the veterinarian. The positive confirmation of CPV infection requires the demonstration of the virus in the stool or the detection of anti-CPV antibodies in the blood serum. Occasionally, a dog will have parvovirus but test negative for virus in the stool. Fortunately, this is not a common occurrence. A tentative diagnosis is often based on the presence of a reduced white blood cell count (leukopenia). If further confirmation is needed, stool or blood can be submitted to a veterinary laboratory for the other tests. The absence of a leukopenia does not always mean that the dog cannot have CPV infection. Some dogs that become clinically ill may not necessarily be leukopenic.

Can it be treated successfully?
There is no treatment to kill the virus once it infects the dog. However, the virus does not directly cause death; rather, it causes loss of the lining of the intestinal tract. This results in severe dehydration, electrolyte (sodium and potassium) imbalances, and infection in the bloodstream (septicemia). When the bacteria that normally live in the intestinal tract are able to get into the blood stream, it becomes more likely that the animal will die.
The first step in treatment is to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This requires the administration of intravenous fluids containing electrolytes. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given to prevent or control septicemia. Antispasmodic drugs are used to inhibit the diarrhea and vomiting that perpetuate the problems.
 

What is the survival rate?
Most dogs with CPV infection recover if aggressive treatment is used and if therapy is begun before severe septicemia and dehydration occur. For reasons not fully understood, some breeds, notably the Rottweiler, have a much higher fatality rate than other breeds.

Can it be prevented?
The best method of protecting your dog against CPV infection is proper vaccination. Puppies receive a parvo vaccination as part of their multiple-agent vaccine given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. In some situations, veterinarians will give the vaccine at two week intervals and an additional booster at 18 to 20 weeks of age. After the initial series of vaccinations when the dog is a puppy, all dogs should be boostered at least once a year. Dogs in high exposure situations (i.e., kennels, dog shows, field trials, etc.) may be better protected with a booster every six months. Pregnant bitches should be boostered within two weeks of whelping in order to transfer protective antibodies to the puppies. The final decision about a proper vaccination schedule should be made by your veterinarian.

Is there a way to kill the virus in the environment?
The stability of the CPV in the environment makes it important to properly disinfect contaminated areas. This is best accomplished by cleaning food bowls, water bowls, and other contaminated items with a solution of one cup of chlorine bleach in a gallon of water ( 4 to 8 ounces of bleach in a gallon of water OR 250 mL in 4 liters of water). It is important that chlorine bleach be used because most "virucidal" disinfectants will not kill the canine parvovirus.

Does parvovirus pose a health risk for me? How about for my cats?
It is important to note that at the present time, there is no evidence to indicate that CPV is transmissible to cats or humans