As we continue down our road of worms, our next stop is
Tapeworms. This is another type or worm that likes to live in the intestines.
They are fairly common all over the United States or really wherever f leas are
found.
These are some of the easiest worms to diagnose! Many times
the segments can be seen in the stool or around the rear end of our companions.
Sometimes you can even see them where your pets like to lay. When they are
dried they look like little sesame seeds. If we don’t see the segments in the
stool sample, we can look under the microscope, however these egg packets can
be very fragile and sometimes are not seen.
There are a couple of ways that tapeworms are contracted. The
most common is from ingesting a flea. This doesn’t mean that your pet has
fleas, but that they have been exposed. This could be from the outside or other
animals that do have fleas. That being said it is a VERY good idea to keep pets
on monthly flea prevention. Another less common way to contract tapeworms is by
eating a rodent infested with the tapeworm or with fleas. It is unlikely for
people to get tapeworms as they also have to ingest the flea.
Most of the time there won’t be too many signs that your pet
has tapeworms, especially if you don’t see the segments in the stool. Sometimes
their coat will look a little more rough or unthrifty. Weight loss is a
possibility as well, as the worms are competing with their host of the nutrients.
Some cats will also vomit or over groom.
While tapeworms are treatable it is important to remember
that fleas are everywhere. The best form of prevention is monthly flea
medication. Treatment can come in various forms and is prescribed by a
veterinarian. It is usually well tolerated but again only treats what is
currently in the patient. It is very possible for them to re-infest themselves
by ingesting another flea.
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