Creatures Corner

By Dr. Ted Hankes

The North Jefferson News



Pet infestation with internal parasites is much more common than the average pet owner realizes.

Therefore, it is imperative that pet owners understand how internal parasites infect animals and how these infections can be prevented and treated. It is also important that pet owners realize that many of these parasites have zoonotic potential, i.e. they can infect and cause harm to people.

There are several reasons why pet owners should be concerned about their pet(s) being infected with internal parasites. The first reason is because they can make your pet very sick and, although uncommon, even cause death. The second reason, as already stated, is because they can infect and cause harm to people. The third reason is because they are easy and inexpensive to prevent, but usually much more difficult and expensive to treat once they become infected.

There are many different internal parasites that can infect your pet.

Most of these infections only cause minor health problems but can occasionally be life threatening. Serious infections are usually seen in the young, debilitated, or animals that are immunosuppressed.

Roundworms are the most common infection seen. They are free living in the bowel. When these parasites infect pets they are seldom fatal, but cause intestinal upset, excessive gas formation, and stunted growth in puppies. Puppies infected will have the typical pot bellied appearance and will generally appear unhealthy.

These worms have a spaghetti appearance and are often seen by pet owners in their pet’s stool or vomitous.

The larval forms of the roundworm can cause zoonotic infections in people. The egg form is ingested due to contact with fecal matter. The egg develops into the larval form which may migrate through many different organ systems including the brain and retina of the eyes where it can cause severe central nervous system disease including death and blindness.

Studies have confirmed that 26 percent of people randomly screened have antibodies to roundworms meaning that these persons have been exposed to or infected with this parasite. This number is much higher than most people would expect.

If you are a pet owner, please take the proper measures to insure that your pet is kept free of internal parasites. Your pet will love you for it.

It is exceptionally easy for them to become infected but are simple to prevent. One simple monthly tablet is all it takes to control most internal parasites that your pet may come in contact with.

Dr. Hankes is the owner of Allen Animal Clinic in Gardendale. If you have any questions, concerns, or if Dr. Hankes can be of assistance to you, he can be reached at (205) 631-6210.