Illustrated Articles
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Tapeworms are parasites that infect the gastrointestinal tract of cats, other animals, and humans. Several types of tapeworms are known to infect pets, but the most common species observed in cats is Dipylidium caninum, which is transmitted through fleas. Risk factors, clinical signs, treatment, and prevention are explained in this handout. Other, less common types of tapeworms that affect cats and humans are also covered.
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Tapeworms are parasites that infect the gastrointestinal tract of dogs, other animals, and humans. Several types of tapeworms are known to infect pets, but the most common species observed in dogs is Dipylidium caninum, which is transmitted through fleas. Risk factors, clinical signs, treatment, and prevention are explained in this handout. Other, less common types of tapeworms that affect dogs and humans are also covered.
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Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite that typically affects dogs but can occasionally occur in cats. Heartworm is usually diagnosed with a simple blood test. Unlike in dogs, treatment options are limited in cats. Heartworm preventives are available for cats. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best prevention program for your cat.
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Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, better known as heartworm. Dogs become infected when they are bitten by an infected mosquito that is carrying immature heartworms. This handout discusses signs, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prevention in dogs.
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Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their host and can in turn transmit diseases to your cat or even you. They are prolific breeders, and their life cycles can extend through multiple seasons. Prompt removal or use of preventatives limit or prevent the spread of disease or kill the ticks.
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Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their host and can in turn transmit diseases to your pets or even you. They are prolific breeders, and their life cycles can extend through multiple seasons. Prompt removal or use of preventatives limit or prevent the spread of disease or kill the ticks.
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Toxoplasma occurs worldwide. However, infection is uncommon in pet cats that do little or no hunting and primarily or exclusively eat commercial cat foods. Despite the high number of cats infected with T. gondii, very few show significant clinical signs. Humans are most commonly infected by eating contaminated food. Most people infected with this organism do not develop clinical disease. However, infection during pregnancy may be transmitted to the fetus and sometimes cause severe damage. Many pet cats will never be exposed to Toxoplasma and, therefore, cannot pass the infection on to humans.
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Von Willebrand's disease causes an inability for blood to clot resulting in excessive bleeding. If this disease is suspected, initial screening tests include a complete blood count (CBC), buccal mucosal bleeding time, and a coagulation profile. More advanced diagnostics include assays that assess the quantity and functionality of vWF. DNA testing is available and most commonly used to evaluate animals used in breeding programs.
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Whipworms are intestinal parasites measuring about 1/4 inch (6 mm) in length. They live in the intestinal tract of cats where they can cause severe irritation. Whipworm infection results in watery diarrhea, weight loss, and general debilitation. Fecal testing will not detect every infection. Whipworm infection in cats is rare in North America but cases appear to be rising.
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Whipworms are intestinal parasites that cause bloody diarrhea. They are diagnosed by finding eggs on microscopic examination of the stool. These eggs, however, are difficult to find. Several medications are effective against whipworms. All medications must be repeated monthly for three months to clear the infection.
