Roundworms, also called “ascarids,” are large, unsegmented internal parasites. They are the most common internal parasites found in companion dogs and cats. Most puppies, even those in well-bred, well-raised, healthy litters, will develop some degree of roundworm infection early in life. Breeders typically de-worm their puppies several times before sending them to their new homes, to eliminate or at least reduce the load of intestinal parasites. Adult roundworms spend most of their lives in a dog’s small intestine, which is the part of the gastrointestinal tract that connects the stomach to the large intestine, or colon. Roundworm larvae sometimes migrate out of the small intestine and invade the liver, lungs, kidneys and other organs. This can be fatal, especially in young puppies.
People can also become infected by roundworms, through what is called a “fecal-oral” route. This happens when a person comes into contact with feces from an infected dog, and somehow gets some of that fecal matter into his or her mouth. If roundworm eggs are present, the person probably will become infected. Because humans are not the normal host for canine roundworms, the life cycle of the parasites is abnormal in people. The eggs will hatch in the person’s stomach and small intestine, but from there the larvae will migrate elsewhere. This condition is called “visceral larva migrans.” Roundworm larvae often migrate into people’s eyes and brain, which can be extremely painful, dangerous, damaging and even deadly.
The two most common species of roundworms found in domestic dogs are Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. A related roundworm that usually infects raccoons, called Baylisascaris, can also infect dogs if they lick or eat raccoon fecal matter containing roundworm eggs. Adult roundworms live and reproduce mainly in the stomach and small intestines of dogs. They can become quite large, growing up to 6 or 7 inches in length. Adult females can lay several hundreds
Roundworms can affect dogs of all ages, but they are particularly hazardous to young puppies. Newborns are at the greatest risk of developing severe disease or even dying from these parasites. Puppies between 2 and 6 months of age may have mild signs from roundworms, including abdominal pain (belly-aches), diarrhea and general ill-thrift. Adults and adolescents over 6 months of age rarely develop detectable symptoms when they are infected with roundworms.Newborn puppies get roundworms either
Roundworms are extremely common in domestic dogs, especially in newborns. Fortunately, they are not particularly difficult to diagnose. A veterinarian presented with a puppy showing signs of internal parasites will take a history from the owner and perform a thorough physical examination. He probably will also take a blood sample to run routine blood work, including a complete blood count and a serum biochemistry panel. A urine sample may also be taken for a urinalysis,
Treatment for roundworms involves supportive care, administration of de-worming medications, appropriate follow-up and prevention of future infection with a regular de-worming protocol. A number of anti-parasitic drugs are available to treat parasites in dogs. Medical and common names that owners may recognize for some of these medications include Interceptor, Sentinel, Milbemycin, Selamectin, Pyrantel, Revolution, Drontal, Nemex, Heartguard, Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, Panacur, Dichlorvos, Task Tabs, Happy Jack and Filaribits. There are others, as well. Some of these