Rodent Nematodes

Nematodes of Laboratory and Pet Rodents

Pinworm infestations are frequently detected on faecal examination, but are not usually harmful. Mice and rats each have a species related to the trichostrongyles that can produce enteritis if present in large numbers, and a whipworm which can sometimes be troublesome. There is also a Capillaria species which lives in the liver parenchyma, causing some necrosis and cirrhosis. Eggs are released into the environment only when the infected animal dies.