Endoparasites

Endoparasites

1. Toxocara canis

   • Tranmission: Ingestion of infected faeces Mother --> Puppy in vitro/milk --> Kitten via milk
   • Development: Embryonation takes 3 weeks in environment/faeces
     • Not infective until embryonated
   • Paratenic host: Squirrel, rat or mouse
     • Not always necessary
   • Symptoms
     • Swollen abdomen
     • Wasting
     • Increased appetite
     • Bad breath
     • Vomiting/deficating
     • Visible parasites
     • Bowel obstruction
       • This can lead to rupture and death
   • Treatment protocols
     • Bitch treated at day 40
     • Puppies at 2, 5, 8, 12 weeks - monthly until 6 months, then as risk states
       • Every 3 months at least
     • Suspension, active ingredient Febantel
       • Drontol
       • Breaks down to fenbendazole and fenbendazole sulphoxide in the intestine
       • Often used alongside pyrantel
   • Zoonotic
     • Worms migrate to retina and cause blindness
     • Risk to children who are more likely to come into contact with faeces

2. Echinococcus granulosis

   • Primary host = dog
     • Worm 1 x month
   • Intermediate host: Sheep, mammals
     • HYDATID CYSTS develop in lungs/abdomen of intermediate host
   • Transmission
     • Contact with contaminated environment
     • Dog may eat carcass
   • Dead end host: Humans
     • Cysts die and are absorbed in 1 year
     • Risk of continuous reinfection if on a farm
     • Treatment involves surgical removal
       • Wormers mostly ineffective
     • HYDATID CYSTS

3. Sarcoptes scabei

   • Zoonotic
   • Transmission
     • Contact with wildlife e.g. foxes
     • Environment contaminated by infectious mites, dogs, humans
   • Symptoms
     • Pruritis
     • Bacterial infectious
     • Lymphatic reactions
     • Decreased appetite
     • Alopecia
     • Thickened skin, wrinkles
   • Treatment
     • Selamectin spot-on
     • NOT ivermectin as 95% of collies are sensitive to this = death