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20 PARASITES VP MARCH 2016 Which wormer should you use – and when? ALL SIGNIFICANT HELMINTH species of dogs in the UK can be transmitted by eggs or larvae in faeces, so hygiene is fundamentally important when preventing transmission. Cleaning up faeces reduces environmental contamination, particularly around children’s play areas where there is a zoonotic risk. Several parasites can be transmitted in the faeces of wild canids and most environmental cestode and nematode stages are highly resistant to environmental degradation, resulting in a persistent reservoir of parasites. Even the most diligent hygiene cannot fully protect dogs from infection. MICHELLE GREAVES of Virbac provides an insight into the most important nematodes and cestodes affecting dogs in the UK, covering key risk factors and treatment suggestions Roundworms Toxocara canis, the most common zoonotic roundworm, is transmitted both via the placenta in utero and via the milk to pups up to five weeks of age. An appropriate treatment plan with fenbendazole during pregnancy (25mg/kg from day 40 of pregnancy until two days post-whelping) can reduce peri-natal infections. In puppies, oral pyrantel embonate/ febantel can be given twice weekly from two weeks of age until two weeks post-weaning; milbemycin oxime (combined with praziquantel) monthly from two weeks of age or fenbendazole courses at two, five, eight and 12 weeks of age. The pre-patent period for Toxocara canis is three to four weeks so, after the initial course of puppy worming, monthly treatments until six months of age are recommended (see www. esccapuk.org for more information). Infections in adult dogs cause few clinical signs but are significant where zoonotic risk is high, for example where dogs have contact with young children. For the average adult dog a quarterly worming programme should be adequate but monthly treatment is recommended in high-risk situations. Hookworms Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala are the key European hookworm species. A. caninum is not endemic in the UK but is zoonotic and responsible for cutaneous larval migrans. U. stenocephala is prevalent in the UK, usually acquired by ingestion of eggs, often within a rodent. Parasites migrate to the intestines, feeding on blood and plasma, with potential to cause ill thrift and anaemia in young animals. Agerelated immunity develops but subclinical or patent infections commonly occur. Most endoparasiticides treat hookworm infestation – check the relevant data sheets for more information. Hookworms can have shorter pre-patent periods than other parasites so may require two-weekly treatment to clear infection alongside strict hygiene protocols such as clearing faeces from a dog’s environment. Angiostrongylus vasorum There are a wide variety of nonspecific clinical signs associated with A. vasorum (“lungworm”). In the UK, sylvatic reservoirs maintain infection of mollusc and amphibian intermediate and paratenic hosts. Macrocyclic lactones, i.e. oral milbemycin oxime (combined with praziquantel) weekly, or topical moxidectin (combined with imidacloprid) monthly, are effective to treat infection. Off-licence, fenbendazole has been used daily for five to 21 days. Several products authorised in the UK have claims for both treatment and prevention. Monthly doses are required to prevent infection as the pre-patent period is variable but as short as 28 days. Tapeworms Tapeworms of importance include Echinococcus, Taenia and Diplydium species. Tapeworms are zoonotic but have variable clinical consequence in dogs, with “scooting” being the primary complaint noted by owners as gravid segments are passed. E. multiocularis is not endemic in the UK: compulsory tapeworm treatments on entering the UK are enforced to protect against human alveolar echinococcosis. E. granulosus and Taenia spp are also rarely clinically significant Michelle Greaves, BVMS, CertAVP(VD), MRCVS, graduated from Glasgow in 2007, working in mixed practice before focusing on small animal practice in South Yorkshire, and subsequently joining Virbac as a field technical adviser in 2015. • The photos are courtesy of Virbac. in dogs but the environmental resilience of their eggs has public health implications as they can contaminate fur, leading to accidental ingestion by owners and the rare development of hydatid disease. Canine transmission occurs via ingestion of cysts found in the carcases of intermediate hosts such as sheep. Feeding of raw offal or access to carcases in endemic areas allows infections to persist. Dipylidum caninum is rarely associated with clinical signs in dogs. Fleas and chewing lice act as intermediate hosts – dogs carrying fleas should be assumed infected with D. caninum and treated accordingly. The pre-patent period is three weeks so re-infection can occur before the next treatment is given if the flea or louse infestation is not controlled. The pre-patent period of tapeworms is three to 10 weeks, depending on species. Treatment is with praziquantel for all tapeworms, with dogs at high risk of Echinococcus infection treated every four to six weeks. Where Echinococcus is confirmed, dogs should be treated on two consecutive days and shampooed to remove eggs on the coat. Gloves and a mask should Ancylostoma caninum. Toxocara canis. be worn when bathing the dog and handling faeces to prevent zoonosis. Comprehensive information about appropriate anthelmintics, and the less common helminth species can be found at www.esccapuk.org. Many pet owners not taking action against ticks A SURVEY of 4,000 dog and cat owners commissioned by Bayer Animal Health has found that 44% of them state they don’t provide regular preventive tick treatment for their pet, although more than 60% admit they are worried about ticks spreading disease to their pet, and nearly a third (28%) say they have discovered a tick on their pet. The survey was part of the firm’s national tick awareness campaign, “No Bite Is Right”, which aims to educate pet owners about the importance of tick prevention. Richard Wall, professor of zoology at Bristol, says: “Research has shown that in recent years tick abundance has increased and the period of seasonal activity has extended in many areas. Climate change, particularly warmer, wet winters have had direct effects on tick feeding as well as impacting indirectly on vegetation cover and creating a more suitable habitat. “The increase in deer numbers, habitat modification by conservation and changes in farming practices have also all contributed to the growth in numbers.” “No Bite Is Right” is part of Bayer’s wider “It’s a Jungle Out There” parasite protection initiative. A series of campaign roadshows for pet owners will be taking place this year at the Ayr, Devon and New Forest County Shows. Practices can get involved with the campaign by following the conversation on www.facebook.com/jungleforpets and download campaign materials at www.vetcentre.bayer.co.uk.
New claims Roundworms Tapeworms Fleas Ticks The most comprehensive parasite control for cats in a single application Available in a range of pack sizes • Now even broader spectrum with new claims added for the mange mite Notoedres cati and the cat lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus • A simple and easy solution for your practice parasite protocols, helping you to streamline your parasiticides • Simple and stress free topical application, with no need for tablets, to aid compliance and improve client satisfaction USE MEDICINES RESPONSIBLY BROADLINE TM spot on for cats contains fi pronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel. POM–V (UK); POM (Ireland). TM Trademark. For further information refer to the datasheet or contact Merial Animal Health Ltd, CM19 5TG, UK. ©Merial Ltd 2016. All rights reserved. DESIGNED FOR PETS MADE FOR VETS
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