Whipworms
Whipworms are thin, less than an inch long, and difficult to see without a microscope. Diagnosis must be done by a veterinarian using a fecal sample. They are also present throughout the United States.
The whipworm attaches to the walls of the large intestine and burrows through to the blood vessels, where it feeds on the blood. This burrowing creates inflammation. This inflammation can bleed and shed a slime into the fesses. In severe cases the inflammation will cause the intestine to adhere to the inside of the abdomen. Dogs suffering with this stage may lick at the right side of the abdomen.
The blood loss from feeding whipworms and intestinal inflammation can cause a variety of symptoms including weakness, anemia, and weight loss.
Whipworm Egg
Dogs become infected with whipworms by ingesting their eggs, usually be sniffing or licking infected ground. Whipworm eggs are sensitive to dryness but can survive for up to five years in cold climates and is why whipworm infections are more common in colder areas. Disinfecting an area from these eggs is extremely difficult, especially soil. Often, soil needs to be replaced.
Once consumed, whipworm eggs hatch into larvae and attach to the walls of the large intestine where they mature and produce eggs which then pass with the fesses.
Treatment can have little effect on whipworms in the larval stage so repeated treatment is usually necessary. Also, fecal examinations may need to be repeated as eggs are easily missed and not always present in the fesses of an affected dog. If a dog is suspected of having whipworms, it may be appropriate to begin treatment, or to administer a yearly de-worming treatment that includes efficacy to whipworms.
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