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→Dipylidium caninum
== ''Dipylidium caninum'' ==
== ''Dipylidium caninum'' ==
[[Image:Dipylidium caninum.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Dipylidium caninum'' - Taenia of Dogs and Cats Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona]]
[[Image:Dipylidium caninum.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Dipylidium caninum'' - Taenia of Dogs and Cats Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona]]
[[Image:Dipylidium caninum proglottid.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Dipylidium caninum'' proglottid - Courtesy of the Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine]]
=== Significance ===
=== Significance ===
''D. caninum'' is a very common parasite of dogs and cats, growing to 50cm long in the small intestine. It is of minor clinical significance causing no more than occasional anal irritation. Diarrhoea may result if the tapeworms are present in large numbers. The proglottids are motile and can upset owners when they drop onto the furniture or floor.
''D. caninum'' is a very common parasite of dogs and cats, growing to 50cm long in the small intestine. It is of minor clinical significance causing no more than occasional anal irritation. Diarrhoea may result if the tapeworms are present in large numbers. The proglottids are motile and can upset owners when they drop onto the furniture or floor.