Endoparasites or internal parasites live inside their host. They commonly reside in the gastrointestinal tract of their host (dog). These commonly cause gastrointestinal problems and affect the general conditions and behaviour of affected host animals. Gastrointestinal endoparasites include: roundworms, whipworms, coccidia, and tapeworms.
- Ascarids or Roundworms
Affected bitches host hidden encysted immature roundworms larvae in their tissues. The larvae migrate from these cysts during pregnancy into unborn puppies. At birth, the larvae migrate to the small intestine. They mature and the adults lay eggs which are shed in dog's faeces. These eggs infect other dogs and occasionally people, particularly the young.
Affected dogs have poor body condition and appear malnourished due to feeding ascarids. They present as unthrifty with a potbelly, and lethargic.
- Ancyclostoma or canine hookworms
Image via Wikipedia
Their eggs are shed in faeces. Worms hatch from these. Besides oro-faecal transmission, the worms are able to penetrate the skin and migrate to the small intestine where they attach to the gut lining and feed on blood.
Affected dogs present with anaemia.
- Trichuris or whipworms
Image via Wikipedia
They live in the caecum.
Affected dogs present with diarrhoea.
- Coccidia
Image via Wikipedia
These microscopic protozoan parasites live in the intestine.
Affected dogs present with chronic diarrhoea which may be bloody.
References
bestdogbreeds.info. (2009). Canine Internal Parasites (Endoparasites). http://bestdogbreeds.info/canine-internal-parasites.html. accessed 14th June 2009.
No comments:
Post a Comment