 
Dipylidium Infection
(Dog
and Cat Flea Tapeworm)
What is the most
common kind of tapeworm dogs and cats get?
The most
common tapeworm of dogs and cats in the United States is called Dipylidium
caninum (DIE-pih-LID-ee-um K-nine-um). Infection is common and found
throughout the world.
How did my pet
get the Dipylidium tapeworm?
By swallowing
a flea infected with a tapeworm larvae. A dog or cat may swallow a flea
while grooming. Once the flea is digested inside the dog or cat, the larval
tapeworm is free to develop into an adult tapeworm.
The adult
tapeworm is made up of many small segments, called proglottids (pro-GLOT-ids),
each about the size of a grain of rice; adult tapeworms may reach 8 inches
in length. As the tapeworm matures inside the intestines, these segments
(proglottids) break off and pass into the stool.
How would I know
if my pet has a tapeworm infection?
Although cats
and dogs are rarely ill as a result of a Dipylidium tapeworm infection,
the proglottids can sometimes be seen crawling near the anus or on the surface
of a fresh bowel movement. Proglottids contain tapeworm eggs; these eggs
are released into the environment when the proglottid dries out. The dried
proglottids are small (about 2 mm), hard and yellowish in color and can
sometimes be seen stuck to the hair around the pet's anus.
What kind of problems
do tapeworms cause for the dog?
Tapeworms
are not usually harmful to your pet. Weight loss may occur if your pet
is heavily infected. Sometimes, an infected dog will "scoot" or drag its
anus across the ground or carpet because the segments are irritating to
the skin in this area.
Occasionally,
a tapeworm will become attached to the intestinal wall and move into the
stomach. This may irritate the stomach, causing the dog to vomit; if this
happens, a worm several inches in length may be seen.
How is tapeworm
infection diagnosed?
Tapeworm infection is usually diagnosed when the moving
segments are seen crawling around the anus or in a bowel movement. Dipylidium
tapeworm eggs are rarely released into the feces and are therefore not
usually detected by routine fecal exams performed by your veterinarian.
Because of this, veterinarians depend on you to notify them of possible
tapeworm infection in your pet.
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 most effective way to prevent infections in pets
and humans is through flea control. The risk of infection with this tapeworm
in humans is low but does exist. A child who is infected will usually
pass proglottids in a bowel movement or have visible tapeworm segments
stuck to the skin around the anal area.
How is tapeworm
infection treated?
Treatment
for both animals and humans is simple and very effective. A prescription
drug called praziquantel is given, either orally or by injection (pets
only). The medication causes the tapeworm to dissolve within the intestines.
Since the worm is usually digested before it passes, it may not be visible
in your dog's stool. The drugs are generally well-tolerated.
What should I
do if I think my child is infected with tapeworms?
See your
health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.
How can tapeworm
infection be prevented?
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