Spirometra mansonoides is a tapeworm parasite that commonly infects bobcats, domestic cats and dogs. Unlike the more common tapeworm of dogs and cats, Dipylidium caninum, which uses the flea as its intermediate host, Spirometra have two intermediate hosts. The life cycle begins with an infected animal (bobcat, dog, cat, racoon, and other mammals) passing eggs [...]
Whipworms are on our mind this morning because two little patients, Sammy and Bandaro have arrived for their appointments today with vomiting and loss of appetite. Whipworms are a pesky intestinal worm of dogs that causes weight loss, diarrhea (usually with mucus) and sometimes bloody stool. The most common worm is Trichuris vulpis. Using the [...]
You just never know. By the time he has thirty years of practice under his belt a veterinarian has a pretty good idea what to expect from certain cases. Crisy Ann, for example, could just as easily be named “Prissy,” because she is quite prissy and lives the lap-dog life that fits what you might [...]
One of the most terrifying maladies a pet owner can face with his four-legged friend is a seizure. Even the mildest forms, in which a pet simply stares off into space disconnected from the world, can be terrifying. When seizures reach the most dramatic stage, the grand mal seizure, the helpless onlooker is terrified. Let’s [...]
“OK, Mrs. Jones, we’ll see you at 1:50 with Snookers. And, if you can, try to bring a stool sample that’s not more than 24 hours old so that we can run a test for intestinal parasites.” You get to the appointment with your pet’s doctor, and you give the receptionist the stool sample she [...]
I saw a worm in my pet’s stool. Now what do I do? First and foremost, carefully collect the specimen. Your pet’s doctor may need to see the worm to make an accurate diagnosis. Use disposable gloves, wrap the worm in a moistened paper towel and put it in a plastic bag. Keep it cool [...]
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