One of the most frequent parasitic worms in dogs are those called Toxocara canis. We are also talking about parasites that can affect human beings and vice versa, which is called zoonoses, hence the importance of always following an adequate deworming schedule.
In this article on our site we are going to talk about their biological cycle, what symptoms they can produce in dogs, especially in younger ones, and what treatment we should apply to combat them. Find out below everything you need about Toxocara canis, its symptoms and treatment
What is Toxocara canis?
Toxocara canis is a parasitic worm that is found in the stomach and intestines of the dog, where it can reach a considerable length of almost 20 centimeters The females lay a large number of highly resistant eggs in the environment, where they even survive for years.
Dogs can become infected prenatally, during the bitch's pregnancy, but also through breast milk, by swallowing eggs laid in the environment, or by ingesting infested prey.
The biological cycle of this parasite begins when the eggs reach the stomach Through blood circulation, the larvae move to the lungs and, from them, they reach the trachea and are swallowed again. Returning to the stomach, these larvae transform into adult worms ready to lay eggs that, already in the soil, are capable of infecting other animals, thus restarting the cycle.
What are the symptoms of Toxocara canis?
As dogs grow older, they develop some resistance to Toxocara canis, which prevents many of these parasites from completing their biological cycle. In return, some of these larvae encyst in different parts of the body, becoming activated, in the case of female dogs, when they are in the gestation period, when which migrate to the placenta and mammary glands.
Thus, Toxocara canis does not usually cause any symptoms in adult dogs. In puppies we might see vomiting and diarrhea intermittent, with expulsion of worms looking like spaghetti. Direct observation of parasites is a direct diagnostic method.
Taking a stool sample for examination under a microscope allows identification of the eggs. Puppies with severe infestations do not grow, are pale, with a swollen abdomen with pain on palpation and anemia.
Larvae in the lungs can cause coughing and nausea.
Treatment against Toxocara canis
The treatment must be prescribed by the veterinarian, since it is this professional who must identify the parasite. There are several drugs against Toxocara canis and the veterinarian will choose the most appropriate depending on the characteristics of our dog. It is important to look for a product that can remove encysted larvae as well, such as milbemax.
The best way to combat internal parasites is prevention, that is, the establishment of a correct deworming schedule that will begin at fifteen days of life, will be repeated every two weeks until the vaccination is complete and it will be maintained every 3-4 months throughout the life of the dog.
It is recommended to deworm pregnant bitches in the two weeks prior to the approximate date of delivery and during lactation because in this way the parasite load in the environment is reduced and reduces puppy infestation.
Toxocara canis in humans?
Toxocara canis can affect humans, causing a disease called visceral larva migrans The infection in people is due to ingestion of eggs, so younger children, who eat dirt and have poor hygiene habits, are the most likely to be infested.
Spaces that dogs and children share, such as parks, can become sources of contamination. In this sense, it is essential to always collect dog excrement.
The biological cycle of Toxocara canis in humans is different from that in dogs because the larvae cannot reach adulthood. Instead, they pass through the intestinal wall and migrate to the liver, lungs and skin In large infestations symptoms such as abdominal pain, cough, itching or skin rash occur and larvae can spread to the heart, kidneys, spleen, brain, or eyes.
Prevention in humans involves keeping animals properly dewormed, especially puppies and pregnant dogs, and educating children in the basic hygiene habits.
