Mpati Veterinary Clinic
Dr A.D. (TONY) Grace (B.V.Sc.) DR A. (ASHLEIGH) OWEN (B.V.SC.)
28 Douglas St P.O.Box / Posbus 581 Dundee 3000
Telefax: 0342123466 / 0342181956
Cell: +27 82 567 9104
E-mail / E-pos: tonyg@trustnet.co.za
NEWSLETTER MARCH 2010
Deworming
As a pet owner you will be aware that from time to time cats and dogs, irrespective of breed, sex or age, are affected by worms.
There are a variety of worms which can invade an animal’s body causing tremendous damage in the process. Some are transmissible
to humans.
The four main types are:
Hookworms (Ancylostoma spp) – The bad guys! These worms are the most the commonly seen, especially in young dogs and
cats. Animals may become infected with hookworms by eating infective eggs or larvae which are in the stool of infected
animals; through larvae penetrating the footpads or skin; through the mother’s milk; or transmission from the mother to
the foetus while still pregnant. Hookworms suck blood from the small intestine and can cause severe and sometimes fatal
anaemia in young, weak, or malnourished animals.
Roundworms (Toxocara spp) – These worms are most commonly seen in puppies and kittens. Animals are infected by eating
other infected animals (like rats) or from the mother while still pregnant. Infection with roundworms can cause poor hair
coat, a pot-bellied appearance, and diarrhea. Roundworm larvae can penetrate human skin and the migrating larvae can
affect various organs in the body (visceral larva migrans). These worms look like long strings of spaghetti and can be seen
in the faeces once a dewormer has been administered.
Whipworms (Trichuris sp) – This worm is diagnosed in dogs of three months or older. Infection is via ingestion of infected
faeces. Clinical signs that can be seen are weight loss and diarrhea.
Tapeworms (Dipylidium and Taenia spp) – These worms are more common in adult animals. Dipylidium infection happens
through eating an infected flea or it can be transmitted by eating infected small mammals such as rats. Clinical signs are
rare since tapeworm infection doesn’t often cause a problem but sometimes unthriftiness, shaggy coat, diarrhea or
lethargy can be seen. Look out for small, “rice-like” worms in the stool.
Treatment:
Oral deworming medication (Quantel, Prazifen, Drontal, and Antezole): Quantel, Prazifen and Drontal are effective against
all four worm types while Antezole is only effective against roundworms and hookworms. Dectomax injectable is not
registered for use in dogs but is effective against hookworm.
In hookworm and roundworm infections treatment needs to be repeated after 3 weeks. With whipworm and tapeworm
infections treatment needs to be repeated after 3 months. This longer interval is due to their longer lifecycle.
Top spot medication (Profender or Revolution): Profender is effective against all worm types in cats while Revolution is
only effective against round worms. These medications are available for kittens and cats only as they can be difficult to
medicate orally.
Prevention:
Remove faeces from your lawn, street, or kennel daily.
Exercise your pets in grassy areas not frequented by other animals.
Use specific dewormers for the type of parasite present. Over-the-counter supermarket brands may not always be
effective.
Prevent your pets from eating rodents like mice, rats, and rabbits, as well as earthworms.
Control fleas!
Deworm female pets before breeding and again after whelping to prevent infection of newborn pets.
Programme:
Puppies and kittens – every 2 weeks from 2 weeks of age until 4 months old.
Adult dogs and cats – every 3 to 6 months.
Breeding bitches and queens – every 3 to 6 months as well as before breeding and after whelping to prevent infection of
the young either across the placenta or through the milk. Drontal is safe for use in pregnant animals up to 10 days before
whelping.
If you have any enquiries please do not hesitate to contact us at the clinic for answers.