Nematodoses in dogs and cats

Nematodoses are diseases of animals, including cats and dogs, caused by roundworms of the class Nematoda.

Varieties: capillariasis, toxocarosis, toxocariasis, trichocephalosis, ankylostomiasis, trichocephalosis, ankylostomiasis, trichaenellosis, tominxosis, uncinariasis, spirocercosis, dioctophimosis, dirofirariasis.

Nematodes are characterised by an elongated spindle-shaped body. Their size ranges from 1 mm to several centimetres. The body of the worms can be compared to a tube in a tube, which is covered by the so-called cuticle. It protects the worm from the aggressive environment of the digestive tract, as well as from mechanical influences. Under the cuticle is a layer of hypodermis, where metabolic processes actively occur.

The entire body of this parasite is covered by the cuticle. The structure of the cuticle plays an important role in the differentiation of nematode species. For example, some may have spines or outgrowths, while others may have ridges, papillae, etc., depending on which genus and species the helminth belongs to.

The life cycle of nematodes can take place either entirely in the internal organs of the animal, or only partially. For example, pinworms lay eggs on the skin near the anus. For the most part, nematodes have different sexes. As a rule, females are larger in size than males. Although, quite rarely, but still among nematodes can be found hermaphrodites.

Small worms can cause really deadly "side effects": they can puncture internal organs, even the brain and heart, and large balls of helminths often tear open the intestines of puppies and kittens, condemning them to a painful death from peritonitis. In milder cases, they simply block the intestinal lumen, causing complete obstruction. As a result - again lethal outcome from necrosis, blockage and the same peritonitis.

Etiology

Nematodes of the species Ancylostoma spp. and Uncinaria spp. are widespread in dogs and cats. However, compared to dogs, they are slightly less common in cats. An animal can become infected with water and food, or through the mother's milk. Larvae that have just hatched can easily penetrate through the skin. Sexually mature individuals live in the lumen of the small intestine, attaching to its mucous membrane. Depending on the species, some feed on the mucous membrane, others on blood. If we talk about a severe degree of infection, then nematodes are found in the large intestine. Treatment can be complicated by the fact that the larvae spread to all organs and tissues other than the intestine.

Symptoms of nematodoses

The causative agents of helminthic diseases are many, so the symptoms of the disease are different. They also depend on the number of parasites, the type of organ infested by them and the animal's state of health.

There are a number of common signs by which you can determine the infection of animals with nematodes:

- The appearance of worms or eggs in the faeces;

- Changes in the behaviour of cats and dogs;

- The animal coughs jerkily, especially when moving;

- Mucus is secreted from the nostrils, inflammation of the lungs, bronchi is often observed;

- The animal's appetite decreases dramatically, followed by an equally dramatic decrease in weight;

- Quite often there is vomiting, diarrhoea is replaced by constipation;

- The abdomen becomes very bloated, intestinal ruptures may occur;

- The animal looks depressed, emaciated, moves little;

- In adult dogs, the disease is rarely caused by nematodes alone. More often they accompany other intestinal diseases.

Diagnosis

Based on the above symptoms, tests to detect parasites are prescribed. To detect helminths, coprological studies are carried out. These tests help to detect the eggs of nematodes in the faeces of the animal. But if a cat or a dog has recently been infected with helminths, then the first test may not detect parasite eggs, because they are just a small amount. In this case, it is better to carry out this study 3-4 times a month, which will give a more accurate result.

Can nematodes be transmitted to humans?

Toxocara cati and canis are transmitted to humans by accidental ingestion of eggs with infective larvae. This in turn leads to the migration of visceral larvae that reach the eyes. It is very important to be careful with children and understand the seriousness and necessity of following a deworming schedule to prevent nematosis.

Treatment

For the treatment of cats and dogs for nematodiasis, the following are used:

- Helmimax-4 - for kittens, cats, small puppies and dogs;

- Helmimax-10 - for adult cats over 4kg, medium-sized dogs and puppies;

- Helmimax-20 - for large dogs and puppies.

If we talk about routine deworming, the drug is given once. If the diagnosis is established or helminths are found in the faeces, it is required to repeat the drug in 14 days in the same doses.

An effective means for the treatment of cestodosis is "Prazicid suspension". This remedy does not require prior preparation of the animal, any restrictions in the diet, the reception of laxative medications or vitamins.

Suspension is given by adding to the feed in the first half of the day, or forcibly poured into the open mouth on the root of the tongue. In mild forms, a single application is sufficient. Severe forms of worm infestations are treated for 3 consecutive days.

Ideally, continue deworming every three months of life. Treatment should be more regular if you have children and the cat and dog are constantly outdoors.