Wormopedia - Roundworms

Roundworm (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara cati) are found in the faeces of infected dogs and cats. The eggs can be found in soil anywhere, from parks and playgrounds to gardens.

- AT RISK -

THIS WILL MAKE YOU WASH YOUR HANDS ONCE YOU’VE BEEN TO THE PARK!

Studies have found that 75% of sandpits* are contaminated with roundworms and their eggs.

Symptoms

It is not always apparent if your pet has picked up roundworm because although their digestive system can become blocked and inflamed they won’t necessarily display any obvious symptoms.

Puppies and kittens however can start to lose weight, develop a ‘pot bellied’ look and may even develop pneumonia.

Lifecycle...

Larvae migrate via liver and lung via to intestine and mature into adults

Adult worms lay eggs in small intestine

Tissues of transport host or embryonated eggs ingested by dog

Transmission to offspring: Transplacental or transmammary

Non embryonated eggs in faeces

Eggs embryonate

Larvae undergo 2 molts to infective third stage larvae within egg

Humans can be infected by ingesting embryonated eggs

Embryonated eggs ingested by transport host

Embryonated eggs survive for long periods in contaminated environments

Larvae migrate in internal organs (ie. muscles, eyes and central nervous system)

Infection stages

The incubation period for roundworm is about 4-6 weeks, meaning it can be over a month between ingesting the roundworm, and them passing eggs in their faeces which may infect other animals.

Risk to humans

We humans are not immune to the roundworm either – the eggs can be found in soil (anywhere, from parks and playgrounds to gardens) so if we’re not careful we can unwittingly ingest them from dirty hands or a dropped, but hastily retrieved, biscuit.

Unfortunately, children (who are most likely to pick up an infection because they are always grabbing, touching and sticking their hands in their mouths) are particularly vulnerable.

The problems come as the roundworm larvae pass into internal organs, affecting the muscles, eyes and central nervous system. A fever may develop and there can be internal damage to the lungs, liver and eyes.

Spread in Europe

Roundworm can be found right across Europe.

How to get rid of them

Fortunately pets can be treated. Ask your vet for a ‘vet strength’ wormer – a palatable treat that can protect against disease from roundworms in both cats and dogs.