Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES • 57
antibodies and also the effects of most dewormers. (Interceptor is an exception.
This dewormer has some effect on encysted larvae.) During pregnancy,
however, encysted larvae are activated and migrate to the placenta and mammary
glands. Deworming the dam before pregnancy reduces the burden of
migrating larvae but does not eliminate all puppy infestations because there
are still encysted larvae in the mother’s body.
Ascarids rarely cause symptoms in adult dogs; in puppies older than 2
months, they usually produce only mild intermittent vomiting and diarrhea.
Worms maybe found in the vomitus or passed in the stool. Typically, they look
like white earthworms or strands of spaghetti that may be moving.
In very young puppies, a heavy infestation can result in severe illness or even
death. These puppies often fail to thrive, have a dull coat and a pot-bellied
appearance, and are anemic and stunted in growth. Such puppies may experience
abdominal pain with whimpering and groaning. Rarely, a tangled mass of
worms in the small intestines can cause death from intestinal obstruction.
Treatment: Nemex or Strongid (pyrantel pamoate suspension) is an excellent
dewormer for nursing pups because it is safe and active against both
ascarids and hookworms. This makes it the agent of choice for these youngsters.
Pyrantel pamoate dewormers can be obtained from your veterinarian.
You do not have to fast your pup before using this medication. Be sure to follow
the manufacturer’s directions regarding dosage.
Puppies should be dewormed by 2 weeks of age—before they begin to pass
ascarid eggs and contaminate the environment. Repeat the treatment at 4, 6,
and 8 weeks of age. The purpose of retreating is to kill worms that were in the
larval stage during the first dewormings. Subsequent treatments are indicated
if eggs or worms are found in the stool.
Drontal Plus, Vercom Paste, Telmintic, and Panacur have a broad spectrum
of activity and are all highly effective against ascarids, hookworms, and
whipworms. Drontal and Vercom are also highly effective against tapeworms.
Panacur is only partially effective against tapeworms. Deworming the brood
bitch with Panacur during the last two weeks of gestation and during lactation
reduces environmental exposure and helps control puppy infection.
Drontal Plus comes in two tablet sizes: one for small dogs and another for
medium and large dogs. The prescribed number of tablets (based on the dog’s
weight) is given as a single dose. The dose should be repeated in two to four
weeks. Drontal Plus cannot be used in dogs who weigh less than 2 pounds
(1 kg) or in puppies less than 3 weeks old. A stool sample should be checked
following the second course of treatment.
Vercom and Panacur are given daily for three consecutive days. The entire
course should be repeated in two to four weeks, followed by a stool check to
make sure the worms have been eliminated.
Prevention: Heartworm preventives such as Interceptor prevent and control
ascarids as well as hookworms and whipworms. Heartgard Plus controls
ascarids and hookworms but not whipworms.