December 2007
December Tip of the month:
Dr. Mane’s ‘TIP OF THE MONTH’
DO I NEED TO TREAT MY PET FOR INTESTINAL PARASITES?
Just how common are canine and feline intestinal parasites?
A recent study attempted to obtain a comprehensive view of canine parasite prevalence by conducting a national survey. They used feces from shelter dogs from all geographic regions in United States. 6,458 fecal specimens were collected from dogs housed in animal shelters, which have NOT been treated with a de-worming medication.
The canine hookworm was the most common finding in the fecal specimens (>19%). Also in large numbers were the roundworms at 15% and the whipworms at 14%. Surprisingly, almost 36% of all dogs, and 52% of dogs sampled from southeastern states (ie;Louisiania), harbored at least one major intestinal worm parasite.
In cats, the roundworms were the most frequently observed intestinal parasite in North American surveys. Second most common parasite in cats was the hookworm. The roundworm (T. cati) can be transferred to humans, thus causing a disease called larva migrans (visceral or ocular disease).
All surveys reinforced the need to support the year-round parasite control guidelines recommended by the Companion Animal Parasite Council, and emphasize the need to examine dogs regularly for intestinal parasites. It is important to remember that shedding of parasites in feces can create heavily contaminated environments, increasing the probability of re-infection of existing pets or infection of newly acquired pets. Of equal or greater importance is the growing concern over human infections with canine parasites, particularly tapeworms (Blagburn et al, DVM Magazine/August 2007)
At Towne South Animal Hospital, We aim to stress the importance of twice yearly exams with fecal analysis annually. We carry the most current and up-to-date mediations for de-worming your pets and we use a qualified veterinary laboratory for testing the fecal samples for intestinal parasites in your dogs and cats. We also carry top brand heartworm preventative, which contain medications that prevent heartworm infestation and intestinal parasite accumulation. For example; Sentinel® & Interceptor® are brand name heartworm preventatives which contain the recommended dosage of anti-parasite medications to prevent intestinal parasites in dogs. Other de-wormers we carry include Profender®, which is a new medication exclusively for protecting our pet cats from intestinal parasites. Drontal®, Strongid® & Panacur® are other popular de-wormers available at our clinic. Have your pet examined today for intestinal parasites and get them on a safe and dependable product to protect them and your family from chances of infection and/or disease.
