Introduction
In Britain, the most important nematode of dogs is the ascarid, Toxocara canis. Almost all puppies harbour this worm, which in large numbers can cause serious disease during the first weeks of life. T. canis larvae can also invade human tissues - impairment of vision is a possible outcome.
Other veterinary clinical problems associated with nematodes, such as hookworm and whipworm, are largely confined to large kennels or dogs in rural areas. Overseas, however, there are two nematode diseases of major significance in small animal practice. These are the hookworm, Ancylostoma, and the canine heartworm, Dirofilaria.
| Small Intestine | Caecum | Lungs | Heart | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nematode Species |
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Treatment of Hookworms, Whipworms and Lungworms in Dogs and Cats
| Compound | Trade-Name | Hookworms | Whipworm | Lungworm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Piperazine
|
various (high dose needed)
|
++
|
-
|
-
|