Strongyloides in Dogs

Strongyloides in Dogs

By: Dr. Bari Spielman

Section: Overview

Strongyloides are tiny worms that burrow in the small intestine, causing diarrhea, which is sometimes bloody. Strongyloides can be transferred to puppies through the mother's milk but most infections result after direct exposure to feces from other infected animals. Sometimes, the immature larva can migrate through the skin, causing a skin rash.

Stronglyoides infection is seen most commonly in puppies, especially in crowded conditions.

What to Watch For

  • Diarrhea
  • Dermatitis (skin inflammation)
  • Debilitated puppies
  • Occasionally, respiratory signs, such as coughing or difficulty breathing, are seen in cases where parasites penetrate the lungs.

    Diagnosis

    Routine baseline tests (complete blood count, biochemical profile, urinalysis) are generally within normal limits. Additional tests include:

  • Direct fecal examination
  • Baermann sedimentation (a special fecal test)

    Treatment

  • Fenbendazole (Panacur®) for 5 days
  • Ivermectin, (Ivomec®)
  • Fluid and electrolyte replacement may be indicated in the extremely debilitated and dehydrated animals

    Home Care and Prevention

    Administer all treatment prescribed by your veterinarian. Have your veterinarian recheck the feces after treatment to assure there is resolution. Keep the environment clean to keep the pets from being reinfected.

    This disease is a human health hazard, as larvae penetrate unbroken skin. Immunosuppressed people are at particular risk for disease after infection.                                

    The best way to prevent infection is to prevent your pet from coming in contact with known infected individuals. Thoroughly deworm infected individuals and clean up the environment.

    •  
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Review the Most Frequent Questions
    Answered by Dr. Jon and His Staff of Veterinarians
    Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Intestinal Parasites in Dogs

      Intestinal parasites, also called worms, are quite common in puppies. Routine deworming usually eliminates infections but does not prevent reinfection. Annual fecal exams typically detect these parasites....

      Read MoreRead More
    Related Articles
    • 1Intestinal Parasites in Dogs

      Intestinal parasites, also called worms, are quite common in puppies. Routine deworming usually eliminates infections but does not prevent reinfection. Annual fecal exams typically detect these parasites....

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Dogs & Puppies
    Cats
    Related Articles
    • 1Intestinal Parasites in Dogs

      Intestinal parasites, also called worms, are quite common in puppies. Routine deworming usually eliminates infections but does not prevent reinfection. Annual fecal exams typically detect these parasites....

      Read MoreRead More


    Local Pet Information Guide
     Alabama
     Alaska
     Arizona
     Arkansas
     California
     Colorado
     Connecticut
     DC
     Delaware
     Florida
     Georgia
     Hawaii
     Idaho
     Illinois
     Indiana
     Iowa
     Kansas
     Kentucky
     Louisiana
     Maine
     Maryland
     Massachusetts
     Michigan
     Minnesota
     Mississippi
     Missouri
     Montana
     Nebraska
     Nevada
     New Hampshire
     New Jersey
     New Mexico
     New York
     North Carolina
     North Dakota
     Ohio
     Oklahoma
     Oregon
     Pennsylvania
     Rhode Island
     South Carolina
     South Dakota
     Tennessee
     Texas
     Utah
     Vermont
     Virginia
     Washington
     West Virginia
     Wisconsin
     Wyoming