ROUNDWORMS

Ascarids, or roundworms, are the most common intestinal parasite found in dogs and cats especially in puppies and kittens.

The adult worm lives in the intestinal tract and deposits eggs within the intestines where they pass to the outside in the stool.  Diagnosis is accomplished by examining a stool sample for roundworm eggs under the microscope.  Dogs and cats become infected by eating immature worms from contaminated soil or feces, or by eating infected rodents, birds or some insects.  Their mother may infect puppies and kittens.  Many young animals are born with roundworms.  Ingested larvae travel through the body to the intestine and develop into mature worms.  There, adult worms begin to deposit eggs in the intestines. The eggs pass with the stool and develop into infected larvae.  Human infestation with the larval stage of roundworms is possible but does not occur frequently.

Symptoms of worms in puppies and kittens are a lack of growth and loss of condition, as they will have a dull coat.  Worms may be seen in vomit or in the feces.  Generally they are detected through a fecal exam.

Roundworms will be given medication up to two or more times.