My 6 year old cat was treated for tape worms after I saw rice looking worms on her back side-that was about2 1/2 weeks ago.She had a bloody protruding rectum for at least 2 months previous to being treated and it seems to have gotten worse-it looks like blood was driping out of her-not horribly like shes bleeding inturnaly or any thing-but she keeps licking herself as though she is in pain.What could this be? Could she still have worms or hemmeroids(spell?)I just want your opinion on what I'm dealing with.Thank you for your help
So you have some questions about parasites and your pet? That's okay, I'm here to let you know what you need to worry about and what you can relax about.
What most pet owners don't realize is that our pets are exposed to gastrointestinal parasites constantly - they live in the soil, in potted plants, in fecal material, in wildlife (including birds, mice, lizards, etc.) and water sources (even outdoor water bowls, bird baths and ponds). If our pets have exposure, then we, too, have exposure to these microscopic critters...not to mention risk for all pets in the house.
You might be thinking that just because your dog or cat doesn't have diarrhea that they should be parasite free. Not exactly the case. Though common clinical signs for worms and other GI parasites are vomiting and diarrhea, we don't always see these signs with dogs that have parasites. Pets with a higher risk for exposure include dogs that socialize and play with other pets, go to dog parks, hike or camp, dig in the soil.
So, should you run to your vet to get your pet tested? Well, I've certainly given you plenty to worry about, so now let me settle some nerves. Most mild cases of GI parasites are not life threatening, except in the case of young puppies. Extreme cases most always present with clinical signs and you will be able to see a loose stool, at the very least. I definitely see more parasites in dogs than cats, and we screen for some different ones in cats. It is usually adequate to test dogs and cats once a year for GI parasites (as long as they haven't had problems in the past). Dogs that are currently on a heartworm preventive with a dewormer monthly are also less likely to get parasites.And the best news is that for the most part, GI parasites and very treatable with the correct medications.
I always recommend testing puppies, as about 50% of the puppies I test are positive for something. I recommend yearly screenings for other "at risk" pets. If you want to get your dog tested, first ask your vet which parasites are most prevalent in your area. Different areas may require different tests depending on the parasite we are ruling out. A fresh fecal sample is almost always preferred because there is a better chance of recovering parasites. I typically send this sample to the lab to be evaluated for Roundworms, Whipworms, Hookworms, Coccidia and Giardia. Some fecal tests do not test for Giardia, so it is important to make this distinction if Giardia is a common parasite seen in your area.Other fecal tests specifically ignore parasites and look for bacterial overgrowth and have to be run as separate tests. Cats are commonly screened for toxoplasmosis, which is seen routinely in cats and can cause complications with human pregnancy if you are exposed. Tests can range from $30 to $150, depending on which tests your vet recommends.
Other things you should always do to prevent exposure to GI parasites in your pet include washing your hands after handling your pet, using gloves and plastic bags when handling and disposing of fecal material, and trying to refrain from kissing your pet, especially near the mouth and feet. If you are concerned about your pet, talk to your vet about risk factors and what he/she recommends. Let me know if you have any specific questions about fecal testing!
Hello Dr. Spohn, my husband and I took our two pitbull puppies to you a couple of weeks ago. You gave them some shots and heartworm preventative. They are the ones with the cropped ears. Anyways, they both have had a tinge of diarrhea. The male has had a little bit of blood in his. I am wondering if they ate something they shouldn't have since it has been so windy and garbage has been blowing in the yard? We actually found a clothing tag in the boys poop. They are still very active. We have not changed their food or anything. My husband was wondering if there is anything we could do for them at home or if it is serious enough to be looked at by you.
Bernadette Frietze
Hello Dr. Spohn, you have seen my dog Biggie at the Taylor Ranch Vet Clinic. I usually feed him 1/4 cup twice a day. I put hot water and carrots in his morning food and then he just eats dry in the afternoon. Lately, he has had no desire to eat in the afternoon. Sometimes he will eat if I handfeed him or mix hot water in with it. I am just wondering if I am spoiling him. If he doesn't eat, should I just let him skip that meal and not worry about it? Sometimes if he doesn't eat, he will throwup yellow. I am just thinking that he is hot.When I put his dinner down, he hides under the bed. He is still very active and drinking water and eating his breakfast. By the way, he is a Shih Tzu and he is 4 years old.
Thank You!
my maltese keeps getting sick and pooping everywhere and he wont stop licking things, what should i do for him?
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Questions Answered By:
Dr. Lauryn Spohn, DVM
