Roundworm

Transmission

Roundworms (Toxacara sp. & Toxascaris sp.) can be transmitted through infected food, water, feces, or vomit. Puppies and kittens contract them via their mother while in the uterus or shortly after birth through nursing. Ingesting prey animals, such as a mouse that has roundworm, can also infect an adult.

Once ingested, the larvae make their way to the small intestine where they mature and reach up to five inches in length. The eggs are shed in the animal’s stool and can re-infect the pet if the infected stool is ingested.

Roundworm eggs have a thick shell and can live in soil for years.

Symptoms

• “Pot bellied” appearance
• Colic
• Abnormal feces
• Loss of appetite
• Worms in stool
• Intestinal rupture in severe cases
• It is not uncommon for animals to vomit mature worms

Prevention

Kittens and puppies should be dewormed at least three times, once every three weeks, starting at 8 weeks of age.

Because intestinal parasites do not shed eggs continuously, we require biannual fecals to aid in diagnosing infections.

Monthly prescription heartworm preventative also deworms for hookworms, roundworms and whipworms.

* If your pet is outdoors, we recommend deworming every six months since collecting fecals is not usually feasible.

Treatment

Roundworms can be treated with an oral medication. Have your puppy or kitten dewormed regularly.

Here are some easy steps to maintain proper hygiene
and lessen the chance of re-infestation:

1. Pick up your dog or cats stool immediately so that the parasites do not have time to get into the soil or living area. Dogs and cats can re-infect themselves if they come into contact with their own feces.
2. Wash your hands after playing with your pet or picking up their stool. Make children wash hands as well, and keep them from putting their hands in their mouth.
3. Children should not be barefoot in areas where dogs defecate.
4. Wash bedding after being dewormed
5. Wipe rear end and feet after defecating
6. Check fecals on your pet twice a year

Human Transmission

Roundworm is zoonotic: Humans can contract roundworms though contact with an infected animal or feces.

Children are more prone to contracting this parasite if they play in an area with infected feces, such as gardens or sandboxes.

Roundworms can cause serious health problems if left untreated:
~~ The larvae can enter your organs and affect the lungs, liver and brain.
~~ The worms can enter the eye and cause irreversible blindness.

CDC Factsheet on Roundworms

+ Immunizations/Vaccinations