Ewwwww! My Pet Has Tape Worms!

What are tapeworms?

Tapeworms are intestinal parasites of cats (and dogs). Because they are classified as cestodes, they belong to a different family of worms than hookworms and roundworms (called nematodes).

The most common tapeworm of dogs (and cats) is called Dipylidium caninum. This parasite attaches to the small intestinal wall by hook-like mouthparts. Eventually, adult tapeworms may reach several inches in length. As the adult matures, individual segments (proglottids) break off from the main body of the tapeworm and pass into the stool.

Occasionally, the mobile segments can be seen crawling near the anus or on the surface of a fresh bowel movement. These segments look like grains of rice and contain tapeworm eggs; the eggs are released into the environment when the segment dries. The dried segments are small (about 1/16", or 2 mm), hard and golden in color. These dried segments can sometimes be seen stuck to the hair around the dog's or cat's rear.

Infection is common and found throughout the world.

A less commonly found tapeworm, called Echinococcus, also occurs in dogs. Several types of tapeworms are known to infect cats; Dipylidium caninum is by far the most common.

What is the life cycle of tapeworms?

How did my dog or cat get tapeworms?

This process begins when tapeworm eggs are swallowed by flea larvae (an immature stage of the flea). Contact between flea larvae and tapeworm eggs is thought to occur most frequently in contaminated bedding or carpet.

Next, the pet chews or licks its skin as a flea bites; the flea is then swallowed. As the flea is digested within the pet's intestine, the tapeworm hatches and anchors itself to the intestinal lining.

A pet become infected with Echinococcus when it eats a small mammal, usually a rodent, that contains the worm. Foxes and coyotes (and the wild rodents upon which they prey) are important in the life cycle of this parasite. Dogs and cats may also become infected if they eat rodents carrying the parasite.

What kind of problems do tapeworms cause for the dog or cat?

Tapeworms are not highly pathogenic (harmful) to your dog. They may cause debilitation and weight loss when they occur in large numbers. Sometimes, the dog will scoot or drag its rear across the ground or carpet because the segments are irritating to the skin in this area. The adult worm is generally not seen, but the white segments which break away from the tapeworm and pass outside the body rarely fail to get an owner's attention!

Occasionally, a tapeworm will release its attachment in the intestines and move into the stomach. This irritates the stomach, causing the dog to vomit the worm. When this happens, a worm several inches in length will be seen.

How is tapeworm infection diagnosed?

An infection with Dipylidium is usually diagnosed when the white, mobile segments are seen crawling on your dog or in the stool. Tapeworms are not usually detected by the routine fecal examination performed by the veterinarian. Because of this, veterinarians depend on the owner to notify them of possible tapeworm infection in the dog.

Echinococcus infections are harder to diagnose than the tapeworm caused by fleas because the segments are small and not readily seen.

In heavy infections, we may notice abdominal discomfort or nervousness in the animal. The animal may vomit and sometimes have convulsions. It is thought that the convulsions are due to toxins produced by the tapeworm. The active segments around the anal area may cause an animal to lick or 'scoot' on the floor.

Can I get a tapeworm infection from my pet?

Yes. For a person to become infected with Dipylidium, he or she must accidentally swallow an infected flea. Most reported cases involve children. The risk of infection with this tapeworm in humans is low. The most effective way to prevent infections in pets and humans is through flea control. A child who is infected will usually pass proglottids (or what appears as rice) in a bowel movement or find them stuck to the skin around the anal area.

My child has pinworms. Did they come from my cat?

How are the tapeworms treated?

Treatment is simple and, fortunately, very effective. The most common treatment is praziquantel which is found in Droncit (from the vet by prescription) and Tradewinds Tapeworm Tabs (the generic form that is now over-the-counter and much less expensive.)

Tape Worm Tab Dosage: 4 lbs. & under: 1/2 tablet 5-11 lbs: 1 tablet Over 11 lbs.: 1 1/2 tablets

Tape Worm Tabs, Feline, 3 Tabs ... $14.95 Tape Worm Tabs, Feline, 6 Bottle Pack of 3 Tabs Each 18 tabs ... $85.95

The dose is determined by number of tablets per body weight. It can not be used in pregnant animals. Praziquantel causes the tapeworm to dissolve within the intestines. Since the worm is usually digested before it passes, it is not visible in your dog's stool. These drugs should not cause vomiting, diarrhea, or any other adverse side-effects.

Control of fleas is very important in the management and prevention of tapeworm infection. Flea control involves treatment of your dog, the indoor environment and the outdoor environment where the dog resides.

Tape Worm Tabs, Canine, 5 Tabs...$23.95 Tape Worm Tabs, Canine, 4 Bottle Pack of 5 Tabs Each 25 tabs ...$89.95

Tape Worm Tab Dosage: 5 lbs. & under: 1/2 tablet 6-10 lbs: 1 tablet 11-15 lbs.: 1 1/2 tablets 16-30 lbs.: 2 tablets 31-45 lbs.: 3 tablets 46-60 lbs.: 4 tablets over 60 lbs.: 5 tablets

If the pet lives in a flea-infested environment, reinfection with tapeworms may occur in as little as two weeks. Because the medication which treats tapeworm infection is so effective, return of the tapeworms is almost always due to reinfection from the environment.

The most important preventive measures are flea control and lice control. Numerous products are on the market which can be used for this purpose. It is recommended to not only treat the animals with both an insecticide and an Insect Growth Regulator but also the environment in an attempt to kill as many adult fleas and flea larvae as possible.

1. Prompt treatment when tapeworms are detected.
   
   
2. Appropriate disposal of all pet feces, especially in public parks, yard, or playgrounds.
   
   
3. Strict hygiene practices for children after playing outdoors.

Are tapeworms infectious to people?

Yes, although infection is not common or likely. A flea must be ingested for humans to become infected with the most common tapeworm of dogs. Most reported cases have involved children. The most effective way to prevent human infection is through aggressive, thorough flea control. The risk for infection with this tapeworm in humans is quite small but does exist.

1. Control fleas on your pet, and in their indoor and outdoor environments.
2. Prompt deworming should be given when parasites are detected; periodic deworming may be appropriate for pets at high risk for reinfection.
3. Clean up after your pet, especially in playgrounds and public parks. Bury the feces, or place it in a plastic bag and then put it in the trash.
4. Strict hygiene is important, especially for children. Do not allow children to play in potentially contaminated environments. Teach children to always wash their hands after playing with dogs and cats, and after playing outdoors.

In summary