Hookworms

Hookworms are relatively common blood-sucking parasites that live in the small intestines. They can cause diarrhea and life-threatening anemia. Hookworm infections may treated with dewormers and supportive therapy, including blood transfusions.

Hookworms are tiny white to reddish-brown parasites that live in the small intestine. They puncture the intestinal lining and feed on blood. Adult females deposit large numbers of eggs in the intestine; these eggs are carried out of the pet's body with the stool. Under favorable conditions, the eggs hatch and release immature hookworms called larvae. Larvae migrate to the soil surface or to the tops of blades of grass where they wait for a suitable host. Larvae are either eaten by pets or penetrate the animal's skin, usually between the toes. Larvae complete the life cycle by maturing to the adult stage in the small intestine. Puppies and kittens can also become infected by hookworm larvae that are in their mother's milk.

Human infections with hookworms have also been reported in areas where the soil is heavily contaminated. Hookworm larvae penetrate the skin between people's toes, causing a disease called cutaneous larva migrans. Usually this disease occurs in children who walk barefooted in contaminated areas.

Diagnosis

Microscopic examination of a pet's stool by your veterinarian may disclose the presence of hookworm eggs. Blood tests may reveal anemia. Because hookworms begin feeding before they become sexually mature, puppies may become anemic before hookworm eggs appear in the stool.

Treatment and Home Care

Debilitated dogs and cats require treatment for the anemia caused by hookworms. Treatment may include blood transfusions, iron supplementation, or both. Intestinal protectants and medications to relieve intestinal spasms are sometimes needed.
Dewormers effectively eliminate hookworms from the intestinal tract. Many veterinarians recommend that a stool sample be evaluated by microscopic examination one week after the last deworming to make sure the treatment was effective.
In regions where hookworms are common, pets may need to be confined to areas where sanitation can be practiced to reduce the chances for re-infection. Feces should be removed from these areas daily, and pets should not be allowed access to areas where free-roaming animals have bowel movements. Feces should be removed from litter pans daily. Litter pans should be washed routinely and allowed to dry in direct sunlight. Some monthly heartworm preventatives also control hookworm infections. Regular microscopic examination of your pet's stool is the best method to ensure that your pet has not been re-infected with hookworms. Your veterinarian will tell you how often your pet's stool should be examined. The frequency will depend on your geographic location.

Dietary Plan

If your pet has a hookworm infection, your veterinarian may suggest a dietary changed based on your pet's age and body condition, the degree of diarrhea and anemia, and the presence or absence of disease in other organs and body systems. If your pet has signs of severe parasitism, your veterinarian may give you special feeding instructions. Anemic and diarrheic patients may benefit from foods with increased levels of protein and energy during the recovery process.