Introduction

• Cause: variety of parasites:
  • Hookworm.
  • Whipworm.
  • Tapeworm.
  • Giardia spp.
  • Coccidia.
  • Cryptosporidia.
• Usually young animals but may affect any age.
• Signs: usually asymptomatic; may cause diarrhea and/or weight loss, pot-bellied appearance, polyphagia, lethargy or anemia (with hookworm and whipworm).
• Diagnosis: fecal analysis.
• Treatment: anthelmintic.
• Prognosis: usually good with appropriate therapy.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

• Mucosal damage - see specific parasites.

Specific

• Ascarids (Toxocara canis Toxocara canis, T. leonina Toxascaris leonina).
• Hookworm (Uncinaria stenocephala Uncinaria stenocephala ,Ancylostoma caninum Ancylostoma caninum ).
• Whipworm (Trichuris vulpis Trichuris vulpis ).
• Tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp Taenia pisiformis, Echinococcus granulosus Echinococcus granulosus).
• Coccidia Coccidiosis (Isospora spp Isospora canis ).
• Giardia spp Giardiasis.
• Cryptosporidia Cryptosporidium spp.

Pathophysiology

• Mucosal damage - detail varies with specific parasites.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Outcomes