The pet has single worm segments or long strands emerging from the anus. When there are worm segments or strands of worms apparent in pets' feces, it is a symptom of tapeworm infestation. Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that attach to the intestinal lining of cats and dogs and feed off of their blood. This can be a serious problem in pets and can result in severe anemia, blood loss and even death. Aside from worm segments or strands, other signs of tapeworms include rice-like deposits in the feces or hind-end hair, weakness, increased appetite and weight loss.
How to Recognize
Worm segments or strands in the feces of pets is a sign of tapeworm infestation. Since these harmful pests feed off of the blood of animals, a large infestation of them can be quite serious and even fatal without proper veterinary treatment. If you have noticed worm segments or strands in your pet's feces, read on for more information. Worm segments or strands come in varying lengths and can often be found emerging from your pet's anus or stuck in the hair around the anus. Most often they are still alive at this point and will even be moving. However, another way to recognize worm segments or strands is by tiny, rice-like grains that may be found in your dog or cat's feces.
Causes of Worm Segments Or Strands
Certain types of fleas can carry the eggs of tapeworms in their bodies. If your pet becomes infested with a flea that is carrying these eggs, there is a chance that your dog or cat could develop tapeworms. Nevertheless, the eggs must somehow make their way into the animals body. This is accomplished by ingestion of the flea. While ingestion of an infected flea is required for a pet to develop adult tapeworms, this is actually quite easy since animals often bite themselves to relieve itching sensations. Another way for pets to contract tapeworms is by eating the feces of an infected cat or dog.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing tapeworms is quite easy and usually involves a physical examination. The vet will take note of any signs of fleas on the pet as well as tapeworm segments around the anus. A fecal sample will need to be collected and examined for the presence of any tapeworm eggs.
Similar Symptoms
Worm segments or strands are not to be confused with long, thin worms emerging from the anus. Roundworms are another type of intestinal worm in pets that can often be seen emerging from the anus. However, roundworms do not grow in segments as do tapeworms. Other intestinal worms that do not grow in segments or strands are hookworms and whipworms.
Possible Conditions
As stated previously, worm segments or strands found in the feces of pets indicate a tapeworm infestation. Tapeworms can develop into a serious problem, especially if they are left untreated. Read on to learn how your veterinarian will treat your pet if it has developed tapeworms.
Treatment for Worm Segments Or Strands
If your pet has tapeworms, your vet will prescribe special deworming tablets to kill the adult worms. It will also be necessary to treat your pet and home for fleas to prevent reinfestation. Depending on the severity of your dog or cat's infestation, two or three repeat dewormings may be necessary. If you notice worm segments or strands in your pet's feces or around the anus, it is an indication of tapeworm infestation. Since tapeworms feed off of the blood of animals, this is a condition that can become extremely serious when not treated promptly. As such, if you think your pet has tapeworms, you should make an appointment with your vet right away.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.