The health of the hunting dog must be monitored very carefully. THE parasites are among the main enemies of the auxiliary: they are a very common problem in the hunting field, given that the countryside and nature play an all too decisive role in the progress of disease. Diagnosis is not easy due to the small size and difficulty of elimination, however precautions they exist and just follow them to the letter to avoid worse consequences. Among the most dangerous we undoubtedly find i whipworms.
La intestinal parasitosis it is very common among dogs. This essentially affects the specimens adults. Puppies, on the other hand, tend to be affected more by ascarids. The parasite is a worm that causes asymptomatic infections in more than 85% of cases, especially if the number of worms is limited.
Whipworms whose scientific name is Trichuris vulpis it can affect dogs of any species, but especially those who live in kennels or who frequent outdoor places. This happens because grass and dirt are the place where the eggs they tend to develop.
What are whipworms and their life cycle
I whipworms they are parasites that have the appearance of round worms, which in the adult stage they can measure up to 4-7 centimeters. Widespread in adult dogs of all ages, sexes and species, they also affect foxes in the same way.
As for the life cycle of Trichuris vulpis, they are parasites very long-lived. Usually these are expelled from the dog through the faeces inside which there are whipworm eggs.
These eggs if left freely on the ground, within 15 days develop a larva inside them. If this remains inside the egg it can survive for months, because it is protected.
Il dog comes into contact with the parasite and therefore becomes infected, by the time ingests the eggs with the developed larvae inside.
Once you enter the organism of our four-legged friend, these in the within 24 hours they attack the internal system of the dog.
The larvae emerge from the egg and hide in the intestinal mucosa. After 10 days, they pass from the duodenum to thelarge intestine. It is at this stage that adult worms develop and nest.
Usually the period in which the larvae are present inside the intestine of the dog treated with the necessary medicines prescribed by the veterinarian, varies from 8 to 16 weeks.
The dogs that, on the other hand, not are subjected to treatment, they will continue to excrete feces with larvae for about a year.
This not only endangers its health, but also that of other hounds who may inadvertently infest themselves by licking dirt or contaminated feces.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of whipworm infestation has serious consequences on the organization of the dog, this is because the parasite is hematophagous. The Trichuris vulpis to feed and to reproduce sucks the blood of the hound that hosts it.
Obviously to be able to treat our four-legged friend there timeliness with which i symptoms it is fundamental and they are the most disparate.
There are dogs that have the Diarrhea also chronic, mucous diarrhea and bloody diarrhea, many begin to lose weight progressively with the consequent deterioration of body conditions. To these symptoms must also be addedhyponatremia and seizures.
Therapy
To best deal with this disease and to ensure that the dog has no consequences, one must not face the therapy alone but consult a veterinarian.
Only an expert can recommend the right one care, doses , duration of treatment. Having said that, the cures to permanently solve this problem are not difficult.
Usually a vermifuge which also includes whipworms based on milbemycin, febantel or fenbendazole.
To this must be associated a supportive therapy which is established based on the condition of the dog and the diseases that have arisen as a result. For example, if in the meantime the dog has lost weight and if his body conditions are not optimal, it is necessary to intervene on this aspect as well.
Prevention and duration of treatment
To prevent our four-legged friend from being contaminated by these parasites, it is essential check it constantly when it is in parks, open places or in the presence of soil. Even if it is not simple, it is the most effective solution.
In case we have not been able to stop the hound from eating the dirt, one way to deal with the situation promptly is to check what he has ingested if we have any suspicions.
The parasites, in fact, can be seen with the naked eye, both in the faeces and in the vomit of the animal. For this reason, in order to have the correct diagnosis, it is important to keep a sample. In case we don't have it, best describe it accurately to the vet. C.ot all information will be able to intervene immediately.
Before subjecting the dog to any treatment, in fact, it is essential to know which worm it was infested with. The vet will then carry out the necessary analyzes such as the coproscopy, that is the analysis of the feces.
After reaching the result, proceed with a deworming calendar which leads the dog to heal and to implement prevention.
- adult and healthy animals, are treated every six months. If, on the other hand, we are ahead of pregnant females, two or three days before the mating, we must proceed with deworming. Subsequently repeat the operation ten to fifteen days before the birth and twenty days after birth plus every fortnight for the entire duration of breastfeeding.
When it comes to hunting dogsbeing able to control what they ingest when they are in the open countryside or away from our attention is not easy. The chance of getting parasites is very high. The health of our four-legged friend is very important to us, as mentioned above, one solution is the prevention.
By consulting the trusted veterinarian, who will assess the condition and state of health of the hound, including age, the solution is to administer with monthly expiry le compresses for heartworm based on milbemycin.
This way we not only keep it safe from heartworm, but we also protect him from whipworms by ensuring a better quality of life.
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