INTERNAL PARASITES IN DOGS

Introduction
Worms are internal parasites and are one of the most common and sometimes most frustrating health problems, which dog breeders encounter. The fact that the lifecycle and method of reproduction is not always well understood, ads to the frustration of dogs that are regularly treated for worms, but still are infected with worms. The fact that not all deworming remedies are equally effective, and that treatment of worms are often quite expensive, leads to irregular treatment, which results in reestablishment of the worm infestation within a given dog population.

Common worms in dogs

Roundworms are the most common worms found in dog. T.leo nina has a direct lifecycle, but the larva migrate through to the dog’s organs and muscles. The adult stages (males and females) of the worms are found in the intestines of dogs. The females lay millions of eggs, which are excreted with the dog’s faeces. The first larva stage develops inside the egg, which can be ingested by other dogs or the same dog.
When dogs are infested with T.leo nina eggs, the larva are set free and develop into adult worms in the intestines. The cycle will repeat itself as long as there are adult worms, which produce eggs. It takes about 75 days for ingested eggs to develop to the adult stage (laying eggs)
When dogs swallow eggs of T.cani’s, the larvae go through the guts and enter the bloodstream and end up in the organs and muscles of the dog. The larva stages can survive in the dog’s muscles for over a year! When the pregnant bitch reaches her 42 day, the larvae are set free and travel through the placenta to the puppies in the uterus. (Termed trans placental infection) The puppies are therefore born with worm infections. The larva can also be attached to the mammary glands of the bitch and transmitted to the puppies as they suckle. The larva will develop into adults within 23 to 40 days and start producing eggs, which will be excreted with their faeces. This results in 4-week old puppies being heavily infested with worms, which will also infest their surroundings.

Roundworms cause the following symptoms in young dogs:

Emaciation, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation with a typical bloated appearance. Heavy infestations can also cause nervous symptoms and even convulsions.

Hookworms (Ancylostomiasis spp)

Hookworms are common worms of dogs. Hookworms also have a direct lifecycle and can infest the puppies in the womb just like T. canis. Hookworms are not only transferred by mouth but can also penetrate the skin. Larvae of hookworms are very sensitive to desiccation and can only survive where there is enough dampness. High temperatures are also needed for larvae to become infectious. Hookworms flourishes in areas with high rainfall and high temperatures.

Tapeworm

Tapeworm have an indirect life cycle. There is always an intermediate host involved. The adult tapeworm that occur in the dogs intestines will release eggs into the dogs faeces from time to time and these segments have the ability to move around for some time. The flea is the intermediate host.
Health hazards of worms for humans below:

ROUNDWORMS

can migrate through the body and attach them self to the human’s organs.
It can migrate to the eyes and even cause blindness.
Sometimes liver infection can be seen, and serious liver infection can develop.

Hookworms

They can also harm human organs and cause disease symptoms. Since they can penetrate the skin of humans, they can cause a condition of “sand worm infection” with severe irritation of the skin.

Tapeworms

Echinococcus infections in dogs carry huge dangers for humans. The human is one of the intermediate hosts for echinococcus worms. The bladder worm, which develops in the human, can attach to any organ, most commonly the brain and lungs. It can have life threatening results, especially in the brain where it can lead to convulsions, blindness and even death! Since the human is not a known host to the other tapeworms, it holds no great danger for humans.
Treatment of worms in dogs
Lately there is a wide range of Deworming medication, which can be used to treat dogs. These medications are mostly broad-spectrum remedies, which are effective for treating most known worms in dogs. Products from vets are generally the newer combination medication and therefore should be used to deworm your puppy. DEWORM YOUR DOG EVERY 3 MONTHS!!

Cherry eye (prolapse gland of the third eyelid)

Hypertrophy and prolapse of the gland of the nictitating membrane (cherry eye) is common in young dogs. In the acute stage, the red mass swells and protrudes over the leading margin of the nictations, and there is a mucopurulent discharge. Although the swelling may recede for short periods, it eventually often remains prolapsed. Because it is a major tear gland, it should be preserved if possible; the gland should be replaced and anchored with sutures although specialist seem to suggest that partial excision should be avoided. this is exactly what often happens particularly if repeated anchoring techniques fail. Complete excision may predispose to dry eye.
Never let children handle your puppy because if they drop the puppy the puppy can die of injury!!!