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Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

VIDEO – Live Roundworms Inside the Intestines of a Cat

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:15:11 +0000

In this video, you can see a close-up view of roundworms that are living inside the intestines of a cat. During a colonoscopy with a veternarian, these roundworms were spotted and recorded.

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There are many types of parasites in cats. Every type of parasite is different, and will do different things to the overall health of your cat. Learn more about the different types of feline parasites.

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

VIDEO: Toxoplasma, The Most Dangerous Cat Parasite

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:06:50 +0000

This is a great video that was originally aired on the Animal Planet. In it, they explain how one specific parasite found in cats can be potentially dangerous to humans, as well as many other animals. Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common parasites in cats and is the specific parasite that is referred to in this video.

As they mention in the video, Toxoplasma is a common brain parasite that can affect humans, as well as cats. It is a very dangerous parasite, so you need to help keep your cat healthy, as well as your family.

Feline Parasites: How you can protect your family pet

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:52:24 +0000

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Veterinarians estimate that up to 45% of felines in the United States are infected with some type of parasite. Feline parasites may be worms such as roundworms, hookworms, or tapeworms or one-celled protozoan parasites such as coccidia or toxoplasma. Over time, these parasites can leech the life out of a cat, until she becomes too weakened to sustain herself. In addition, there are some feline parasite infections that can transfer from a cat to a human. Obviously, parasites in cats is not something you want your family pet to come down with.

How Do I Know If My Feline Has Parasites?

Cats that are infected with parasites may not exhibit any symptoms at all, or they may present with a variety of disconcerting conditions. Some symptoms that are common in feline parasite infections include dull hair coat, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stool, appetite changes, and a swollen belly. If left untreated, the vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, and dehydration caused by intestinal parasites will weaken a cat’s immune system, making her more susceptible to other infections and diseases.

Most Common Types of Feline Parasites

Parasitic Worms:

Roundworms — Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara cati are the two most common intestinal feline parasites. Adult roundworms can reach a length of three to five inches long as they mature in the cat’s small intestines. A cat can become infected with these parasites from direct contact with contaminated food or feces. Kittens may also become infected from drinking their mother’s milk if she is carrying the worms.

If roundworms are left untreated, they will continue to multiply until their number become life-threatening to the cat. Because these harmful organisms are so large, they can cause intestinal blockage if they are present in great numbers. This type of blockage will lead to a severe case of constipation in cats. Small kittens in particular may be in serious danger if they become infected with roundworms.

A veterinarian will test for roundworm with a fecal examination. He or she will be able to detect parasite eggs in the cat’s stool during a microscopic examination. Deworming medications are usually effective at treating roundworm infections.

Roundworms can be transmitted from felines to humans. This happens most frequently in children and seniors whose immune systems may be weakened. These parasites can cause diseases such as visceral larval migrans and ocular larval migrans.

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Hookworms — Hookworms such as Ancylostoma and Uncinaria are significantly shorter than roundworms, only reaching a length of about one half inch long. Because of their small size, hookworms usually cannot be seen in the cat’s feces with the naked eye. These types of parasites can live for a long time. While it is unusual, there have been cases of hookworms living in a cat for its entire life.

Some felines can become infected by hookworms that penetrate their skin or are ingested with their food. Once inside the body, hookworms will migrate to the cat’s lungs and then on to the intestines. Severe cases of hookworm can cause anemia due to blood loss from the intestines where these parasitic worms attach themselves. Felines can die from a hookworm infection if too much blood is lost. Fortunately, hookworms are easily diagnosed with a microscopic fecal examination and treated with medication.

Like roundworm, hookworms can also be transmitted to humans. Once inside the human body, these types of parasites can cause digestive disorders as well as a type of dermatitis called cutaneous larval migrans.

Tapeworms — Tapeworms, or Cestodes, have long flattened bodies and attach themselves to the small intestine. As the adult tapeworm reaches maturity, segments of its body will break off and pass into the feces. These segments may be visible to the naked eye around the cat’s anus, or in his feces.

Tapeworm segments are white and flat and approximately one-quarter inch long. They may resemble grains of rice or sesame seeds. But even though these feline parasites may be startling to see, they are not usually seriously detrimental to the cat if they are treated quickly.

A cat may become infected with tapeworms by consuming contaminated fleas or rodents. Medications can be used to treat tapeworm infections, but steps must also be taken to reduce rodent and flea populations if re-infection is to be prevented.

Some tapeworm species that infect cats can also infect and cause diseases inside the human body. Good hygiene can reduce the risk of picking up a tapeworm infection from a cat.

Protozoan Parasites

Coccidia — Feline parasites of the coccidia species are tiny, one-celled organisms that are responsible for the disease coccidiosis. Cats can become infected with this parasite by eating or coming in contact with contaminated feces.

These feline parasites do not usually harm adult cats, however they may cause significant disease in kittens. A veterianarian can accurately diagnose this protozoan parasite and treat it with medication. Coccidia cannot be transmitted from cats to humans.

Toxoplasma — The Toxoplasma parasite is the one most commonly associated with cats. Infection with this protozoan feline parasite is fairly common, as cats can become infected by eating any of the three infective stages of the parasites. Toxoplasma may not cause any noticeable symptoms in the infected feline; however these feline parasites can be transmitted to humans. Inside the human body, Toxoplasma are responsible for the disease known as toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis attacks many parts of the body, causing serious illness and death.

It is important to note that some of these organisms found in felines, are also common dog parasites as well. If you have both dogs and cats living inside your home, be sure to have both animals checked out and treated.

article written by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

Dog Parasites: How to protect your family pet

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:51:32 +0000

If you have a dog, then you need to know about the different types of parasites that can affect your pets health. Dogs are the frequent victims of a number of internal parasites or worms such as roundworms, hookworms, and coccidia.

In most cases, early diagnosis and treatment of parasitic infections can prevent the development of any significant symptoms, but it is important to know what signs to look for.

Dog parasite infections may cause any or all of the following symptoms: diarrhea, weight loss, dull/dry hair, bloodly stools, and vomiting. Here is a closer look at the parasites that can affect your dog, and what you can do to keep him healthy.

Roundworms:

The two species of roundworms that can infect dogs are Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina.

Roundworms are tan or white, and they range in length from two to five inches. If a dog is severely infected with these parasites, he may vomit these parasitic worms or pass them in his stool. The worms may be visually alarming as they look like a moving pile of spaghetti.

Roundworm infections can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and uncomfortableness. If left untreated, roundworms can multiply to such great numbers that they can cause an intestinal blockage, which can ultimately, death. While death is an extreme circumstance, an intestinal blockage will definitely lead to a severe case of dog constipation. These dog parasites can also be transferred to humans where they can cause a disease called visceral larva migrans. This disease may result in inflammation of muscle tissue and blindness.

Hookworm:

Hookworms are blood sucking intestinal worms that commonly infect dogs and humans. Ancylostoma caninium is the most common species of hookworm that is found in dogs.

Hookworms are small, thin parasites that can infect a dog that walks on contaminated soil or feces. The organism will then penetrate its skin. Once inside the dog’s body, hookworms will then fasten to the wall of the small intestine and suck blood.

These types of dog parasites are smaller than roundworms, and they cannot be seen by the naked eye, but they are easily detected by microscopic fecal examination.

In humans, hookworms can cause a type of dermatitis called cutaneous larva migrans or creeping eruption. Once inside the human body, hookworms may burrow under the skin causing a linear, itchy lesion.

Tapeworms:

A tapeworm is another type of dog parasite that can be detected visually with the naked eye. These harmful organisms are transmitted to dogs via the consumption of infected fleas or meat. They are long, flat parasites that attach themselves to the small intestines. As they reach maturity, segments of their bodies will break off and enter the digestive system until they are passed in the feces or urine.

A dog owner may notice these startling parasites on the dog’s anus or in his stools. Tapeworms are generally flat and white, reaching a length of about one-half inch. They may look like a grain of rice or a sesame seed. Tapeworms cannot be directly transmitted from dogs to humans. However, small children could accidentally ingest an infected flea and contract a tapeworm infection.

Whipworms:

Whipworms, such as Trichuris vulpis are not visible to the naked eye, making them difficult to detect and diagnose. Unfortunately, this particular dog parasite is also the most difficult to eradicate and control. Symptoms of a whipworm infection include severe diarrhea, flatulence, weight loss, fatigue, and poor overall condition.

Coccidia:

The dog parasite Isopora canis is a protozoan parasite, meaning that it is not a worm but a single-celled microscopic organism. Because it is so small, this parasite has relatively few nutrient needs, and it can therefore grow to great numbers in the canine body.

A coccidia infection may cause watery diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. In young puppies, or dogs with a weakened immune system, this parasite can cause diarrhea that is severe enough to be life threatening.

Preventing Dog Parasites

Good hygiene and proper preventative measures are the keys to keeping your dog “parasite-free.” Many species of parasites can infect dogs that come in contact with contaminated feces. So it is important to keep a close eye on any waste your dog produces, and remove it from the yard at least once a week.

If you suspect that your dog may have contracted a parasitic infection, consult your veterinarian immediately. One type of wormer may not be effective at treating all dog parasites. When you take your dog for a walk, try to keep him away from other animals’ feces, and be sure to remove any that your own dog may contribute. Be sure to wash your hands after handling your dog to avoid transmitting a parasitic infection from your dog to yourself.

by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

6 Common Parasites in Cats

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:49:43 +0000

There are a number of parasitic infections that can affect your cat. Here’s what you need to know about parasites in cats and what you can do to prevent and treat infections they may have.

Cheyletiella

Also known as walking dandruff, these parasitic mites infect all breeds of cats. They cause the formation of scales similar to dandruff as well as itchiness, inflammation, redness, and crusty patches. When present in large numbers, you may even be able to see the small white mites moving over the surface of the skin (hence the name walking dandruff.)

If not treated properly, cheyletiella can migrate inside the cat’s body through the nasal passages. A variety of anti-parasitic formulations can be used to treat these mites, including selenium sulphide shampoo, pyrethrin dip, and lime sulphur dip. A natural remedy is sprinkling an herbal cleansing supplement in your feline’s food.

Coccidia

Coccidia are single celled microscopic cat parasites that infect the intestines. These parasites in cats are known to cause digestive disorders such as watery diarrhea and bloody stools and can even be life-threatening to young or sickly cats. Cats can pick up this parasite by consuming infected mice or licking contaminated feces or dirt from their fur. This common parasite in cats is particularly prevalent in kittens that reside in groups such as in shelters and kennels. Currently, there is no medication that can kill coccidia. Once the organism stops replicating, the immune system can catch up and kill off the harmful organisms.

Heartworm – Is this a Cat Parasite?

Heartworms are considered a large organism that lives in the heart of cats. These long, spaghetti-like worms can reach a length of anywhere from six to ten inches in length. Heartworms are transmitted to cats and other animals through bites from infected mosquitoes. This common parasite in cats typically lives in the right side of the heart and lung, and can cause significant health problems and even death.

Possible signs of a heartworm infection in cats include coughing and difficulty breathing, similar to feline asthma. Vomiting is another potential symptom. It is also possible for a cat to suddenly pass away from a heartworm infection after presenting no other noticeable symptoms. Treatment for cat heartworms can be a somewhat risky procedure as a sudden blockage in the heart or lungs could severely harm the animal. The cat is kept quiet and still for several days while the parasites are killed slowly. Then the remaining eggs and microfilariae are destroyed to prevent re-infection.

Roundworm

A cat can become infected with this parasite by consuming contaminated eggs (through grooming,) or by ingesting a prey animal that is infected. A roundworm cat parasite can cause diarrhea and vomiting leading to weight loss. Roundworm parasites are long and white, similar to spaghetti, and an animal may even vomit one up on occasion. But despite this obvious proof, it is difficult to know if your cat or kitten has become infected with roundworms, therefore many veterinarians and pet owners are in favor of regular cat parasite deworming, especially if the cat hunts prey animals. Kittens are frequently assumed to be infected and are often automatically dewormed.

There are numerous over the counter and prescription deworming products available, including, Drontal and Drontal Plus (contains febantel,) Strongid, Nemex, and HeartguardPlus (pyrantel pamoate is the active ingredient,) Piperazine, Panacur (Fenbendazole) and Revolution (Selamectin.) These medications work by anesthetizing the parasites so that they release their grip on the intestines and pass into the stool. Therefore, don’t be alarmed if you see them, even if they are still alive. Also, it may be necessary to perform several subsequent deworming routines in order to remove migrating parasites that may have escaped initial removal attempts.

Tapeworms

The most common tapeworm that affects cats is called Dipylidium canium. This large parasite can reach up to eight inches in length. It is an intestinal parasite that attaches to the intestinal wall with hook-like suckers. Cats can become infected with tapeworms by licking and swallowing a contaminated flea. As the flea is digested, the parasite attaches itself to the intestinal lining.

A tapeworm infection can cause nausea and vomiting. A severe tapeworm infection can cause anemia and weight loss. Occasionally, a segment from the tapeworm will break away and pass into the cat’s stool or cling to her anal area. These parts may look like small segments of rice. Tapeworm infection can be treated by oral or injected medication, which cause the parasite to dissolve within the intestines. Flea control is also very important in preventing re-infection.

Whipworm

Adult whipworms are hair-like in appearance. They burrow into the wall of the cat’s large intestine and lay their eggs. In small numbers, whipworms may not cause any noticeable symptoms of infection. But in cases of severe infection, whipworms can cause appetite loss and diarrhea. The whipworm egg is highly resilient, making this cat parasite difficult to eradicate.

Article written by: Dr. Edward Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

Animal Parasites: How they can affect humans

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:24:02 +0000

Animal Parasites? What are they?

Animal parasites can affect their host organism in a number of ways. Fist and foremost, parasites are likely to cause some type of physical trauma to the animal due to their migration within the body. Tissue destruction, tissue displacement, ulceration of the liver, and intestinal wall damage are all possible results of animal parasitic infection. Once in the body, animal parasites generally leach nutrients such as vitamins and essential minerals. This nutrient loss can result in severe vitamin deficiencies, anemia, and weight loss.

Finally, animal parasites excrete toxins in the body that may lead to a number of symptoms such as swelling, heart problems, digestive disorders, blurred vision, joint pain, and sleep problems.

How Are Animal Parasites Transmitted?

Parasites can move from one animal or human to the next via several pathways. The most common method of infection is the consumption of contaminated food or water. Parasites can be transmitted via insect bites, through direct contact with the skin, other animal feces, or water where these organisms are present.

Types of Animal Parasites

Animal parasites are generally allocated into three categories: ectoparasites, endoparasites and hyperparasites.

Ectoparasites — An ectoparasite lives and feeds on the surface of its host. Ticks, fleas, and lice are examples of animal parasites in this category.
Endoparasites — An endoparasite lives and feeds inside the body of its host. Roundworms that live in the digestive system, or blood parasites that live in the lymphatic system are two common examples of internal animal parasites.
Hyperparasite — A hyperparasite is the term used to describe a parasite that resides within another parasite. For example, the larvae of tapeworm can be found in fleas before they are transmitted to animals or humans.

Do Parasites in Animals Affect Humans?

There are roughly four hundred different species of parasites that are known to infect humans. Some of these harmful organisms may live in the human body for months or even years causing no noticeable symptoms.

While others may immediately cause itchy rashes, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and sleep disturbances. If left undetected, parasites may continue to multiply in the body, ultimately causing symptoms that mimic conditions such as diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, heart disease and even cancer.

Animal Parasitism

Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship between two living animals. Any plant, animal, or organism that is involved in an intimate relationship with another living organism of a different species is said to be in a symbiotic relationship. Here are various types of symbiosis, including phoresis, commensalism, mutualism, predation, and parasitism. In order to understand animal parasites and relationships, it’s important to take a closer look at each of these categories.

Phoresis — This type of animal relationship is said to occur when one organism relies on another to be physically carried from one destination to the next. For example, a bacteria, fungus, or eggs may need to be carried by a larger organism.
Commensalism — A commensal animal relationship benefits one partner without affecting the other. It is very important that the other organism is neither helped nor harmed. This type of relationship is very unusual and may not even actually exist in nature. One possible example is the relationship between remoras and sharks.
Mutualism — A mutualistic animal relationship occurs when both partners depend upon one another for their mutual benefit. This type of relationship is found often in nature, such as algae and fungus that work together to form lichen, and bacteria that are present in the gut to aid in digestion.
Predation — In a predatory animal relationship, one member of the pair benefits, while the other is harmed and usually eaten. There are numerous examples of predatory relationships that exist in nature, such as bears and fish, or birds and worms.
Parasitism — A parasitic relationship describes the relationship that exists when one organism, called the parasite, lives in or on another organism, called the host, at the expense of the host. Parasites can be found throughout nature living in animal, plant, and human hosts. Parasitism is noted as the most successful way to live in nature. In fact, more than eighty percent of all species of organisms are parasites. Parasitology is the study of the relationship between a parasite and its host.

How to Prevent Animal Parasites

The best way to treat parasites is to make sure they never enter the animal in the first place. Grooming and proper hygiene are very important in halting the transmission of animal parasites. Be sure to wash the animal, bedding, and your hands frequently especially before eating, and after using the toilet.

Click here to learn more about dog parasites and cat parasites.

by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM