Uncinaria stenocephala

Hook worm

In the UK, Uncinaria stenocephala is commonly found in greyhounds, hounds, sheepdogs and other country dogs, but is relatively non-pathogenic. It is a plug-feeder, causing a protein-losing enteropathy. Heavy infections leads to intermittent diarrhoea, causing reduced growth-rate.


Key features of hookworms of the dog:

Ancylostoma caninum Uncinaria stenocephala
  • Warm and hot climates


  • Avid blood sucker → anaemia


  • Teeth around mouth


  • Infection mostly percutaneous


  • Causes pedal dermatitis


  • Transmammary infection
  • Cool and cold climates


  • Protein leak → diarrhoea


  • Cutting plates


  • Infection mainly by mouth


  • Causes pedal dermatitis


  • No vertical transmission