EDMOND —
Q: My two dogs, both Shelties, have had tapeworms three or four times. In each instance they’ve been wormed by a neighborhood vet — apparently successfully. But within two or three months, they show signs of them again. What am I doing wrong? Also I wondered if my children can catch tapeworms from our dogs. I’d appreciate your advice. — Bettye G.
A: Although I have not observed the writer’s Shelties to confirm my suspicion, I’d still give 10 to 1 odds that besides having repeated episodes of tapeworms, they also have fleas periodically, if not continuously.
Tapeworms live in the small intestine, where they attach to the mucous membrane, draining nutrition from the animal, but to a lesser extent than other intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms or whipworms.
They vary in length from a few inches to several feet long, consisting of a head and a body of segments (proglottids) that contain eggs. The segments are white, about 1/4 inch long, and slightly mobile when first passed. They darken in time to resemble grains of rice, collecting in the dog’s fur in the anal region. Several species of tapeworms are capable of parasitizing dogs, but by far the most common species in this area in Dipylidium caninum.
Here’s where fleas come into play. Both fleas and lice act as the intermediate host for this particular parasite after they feed on the microscopic eggs. Then once a dog swallows the infected flea or louse, the eggs are reintroduced into its alimentary canal and the life cycle is repeated.
Some of the other less common species of tapeworms, such as Echinococcus, often occur after dogs ingest uncooked meat from infected elk, sheep, goats and some rodents. I mention this because Echinococcus tapeworms are considered a significant public health problem, causing serious illness in both dogs and humans by producing large cysts in the liver, lungs and brain. Fortunately, they are extremely rare in Oklahoma.
The writer’s Shelties, residing in this area, almost certainly are involved with the Dipylidium species of tapeworms, and the chances of transmission to her children, although possible, is quite unlikely. Most intestinal parasites are pretty much host-specific.
Cestex, Droncit, Telmintic and Vercom Paste are all safe and effective drugs against all canine tapeworms. I suggest using one of them, under veterinary guidance, followed by a veterinary prescribed flea control program. This should resolve your Shelties’ recurring tapeworm problem.
DR. WILLIAM K. FAUKS is a retired Oklahoma City veterinarian. If you have any questions regarding the health of your pet, please write to “Ask a Vet,” at 3142 Venice Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73112, or email bfauks1@aol.com.
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