Intestinal Parasites

95% of kittens and puppies are born with intestinal worms! These parasites can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, stunted growth and even death. Some kinds, especially roundworms, are also transmissible to humans. There are 10,000 cases of animal parasites causing disease in children every year in the United States.

Internal parasites are diagnosed by having a fresh stool sample under a microscope. This should be done as part of a health exam when you obtain a new kitten or cat, and on a yearly basis as part of your pet’s annual health exam and vaccinations.

Collect the freshest sample you can and keep it cool until you can bring it in to the veterinary hospital. Stool samples will keep up to 24 hours if kept cool (NOT FROZEN).

So that you may better understand the problems internal parasites can cause and what signs to look for, we have included a short description of the five most common types of internal parasites, or you can visit capcvet.org for more information.

ROUNDWORMS…
Are the most common type of worm. They are 2-3 inches long and resemble strands of spaghetti. They live in the small intestine, and may cause vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. This parasite is most commonly transmitted via the stools of other cats, dogs, or wild animals from eating mice or other rodents, which may harbor infective larvae of the worm. Mother cats can also pass these worms to their unborn kittens.

HOOKWORMS…
Are small, fine worms which attach to the walls of the small intestine and live by sucking blood from the host. They cause severe diarrhea, which may be bloody, and anemia, especially in kittens and young cats. Infestation can occur by ingestion of contaminated stools of other cats or dogs, or via the uterus or mother’s milk.

TAPEWORMS…
Also live in the small intestine, where the head attaches to the intestinal wall and produces a chain of segments, each segment containing 400,000 eggs. Mature segments containing eggs are passed with the stool, or may be seen around the rectum. They resemble small grains of rice. They may be acquired through the ingestion of rodents or birds or, more commonly, through the ingestion of fleas. Flea control is essential to control tapeworm infestation.

COCCIDIA…
Are one celled parasites (protozoa), more like bacteria rather than "worms." Pets can pick these up from their mother or they can be acquired by eating contaminated materials. They are treated with antibiotics.

GIARDIA…
Are also protozoarius. They are very difficult to pick up on a regular stool check. Our fecal examinations include giardia screening at the lab. Antibiotics or special wormers kill them but they are difficult to eradicate completely and often flare up with stress or other intestinal problems. They are contagious to humans and cause vomiting and diarrhea in both people and pets.

If a stool sample is positive for parasites, the veterinarian will prescribe an effective dewormer. We usually recommend deworming twice, two weeks apart. Please weigh your animal before picking up any wormer, to ensure that the proper dose is given. A stool sample should be checked again 4 to 8 weeks later, to ensure that his or her environment is not reinfesting your pet. Clean the litter box daily as well.