Tapeworms

The tapeworm is a parasite found in the stomach and/or intestines of dogs and cats. It consists of a head and a long flat body made up of segments. Segments are passed in the animal's feces, leaving the head still attached to the animal's intestinal lining, where it produces new segments. Tapeworm infection may not cause noticeable illness in your pet, or it may produce digestive upsets, poor appetite, poor haircoat and skin, weight loss and vague signs of abdominal discomfort.

Tapeworm infection is diagnosed by finding the segments in your pet's feces, in its bed or clinging to the hair around the anus. The eggs may not be found on microscopic examination of the feces. When first passed, segments are yellowish to white, about one quarter inch long, and may expand and contract. When dry, the segments resemble cucumber seeds or grains of rice.

Tapeworms are not passed directly from pet to pet, but require an intermediate host in which to develop. Common intermediate hosts are fleas and small animals, such as mice, rats, squirrels and rabbits. Fish are the intermediate host for one type of tapeworm.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Treatment will destroy the tapeworms already infecting your pet. Re-infection is controlled by eliminating or reducing contact with intermediate hosts.
2. Do not allow your pet to eat small rodents and/or raw fish.
3. Fleas are the most common source of tapeworms in cats and dogs so flea control measures are vital to preventing re-infection.