The Scoop on Poop
January 29, 2009
Last month our discussion centered on worms - intestinal parasites that look like a worm as adults and reproduce to make eggs. These eggs can be identified on a fecal flotation by mixing stool with special solutions. The eggs will float in a test tube, and a drop of the liquid is placed on a slide. Then the eggs can be identified with a microscope. This test can be performed in the office but is more commonly sent to an outside laboratory so another test can be done on the same sample. (see paragraph 5)
A negative (no eggs seen) test doesn’t always mean no parasites. This can be caused by several factors such as low egg numbers that aren’t seen, intermittent shedding, poor / decomposed stool sample, parasite life cycle, or human error. Two common single-celled intestinal parasites that don’t look like a “worm” are Coccidia and Giardia. Coccidia is more commonly found in puppies and kittens. It is acquired from a contaminated environment. The organism is ingested from infected dirt or stool. If the hair coat is contaminated from feces, a pet can acquire it as well by self-grooming. Typical signs are bloody diarrhea, bloating and decreased appetite. Giardia is a microscopic parasite acquired from the environment which can be the ground, feces, or even water supply that has run-off or fecal contamination (pond or stream water). Wild animals can shed this parasite. Dogs, cats and people can all be infected from contaminated water. Signs are diarrhea, vomiting and cramping (especially in people) Giardia can be difficult to find because of intermittent shedding and the presence of low numbers of organisms. Sending fecal samples to an outside laboratory can help. In addition to a microscopic exam, they can do an ELISA, which stands for Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay, to check for evidence of the parasite without actually seeing it under the microscope. This gives a more in-depth fecal result.Good basic hygiene helps prevent the possible spread of these zoonoses (diseases that can be spread from animals to people). Cleaning up feces in the environment helps to prevent re-infestation in addition to cleaning a pet’s hair coat. There is an ongoing threat of infection from exposure to the outdoors. Multiple deworming of pets, especially puppies and kittens, or newly acquired cats or dogs can control an unseen parasite problem.(see schedule below) Most oral heartworm preventives also prevent many intestinal parasites as well. Cats and dogs are at risk of getting heartworm disease (from mosquito bites) and intestinal parasites. The monthly dose of medicines help to prevent infection of the blood-borne heartworms and intestinal parasites. No one treatment or prevention can treat for all of the types of intestinal parasites that pets can acquire. Regular stool exams will help test for parasites which can be easily treated once identified. Since we share our environment with wildlife, domesticated animals and pets, parasite problems are an existing threat. However, regular screening, treatment and prevention can help make everyone rest easier protecting pets and their people.
DEWORM SCHEDULES
Puppies……..treat every two weeks until 3 months of age then every month until 3 to 6 months old
Adult dogs………..surveillance checking 1 to 2 fecals a year is recommended. Treat the mother when pups are treated.
Newly acquired dogs…….treat immediately and repeat in 2 weeks.
Kittens……….treat every 2 weeks until 9 weeks old, then every month until 6 months old.
Adult cats……..surveillance with fecals tested once to twice yearly. Treat mothers with their kittens. Treat regularly if at risk (outdoor cats who hunt).
Newly acquired cats…..treat immediately and repeat in 2 weeks.
Information for this article taken from A Veterinary Guide to Intestinal Parasites and Treatment by Bayer Healthcare LLC
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