Tapeworms are flattened worms that live in the intestines of people and animals, including cats. These worms behave like parasites, feeding on some of the food consumed by the animal, then called hosts.
This situation, which may seem comfortable for the parasite, is not as pleasant for our cats, and can cause diarrhea or stunted growth. If you want to prevent these problems from reaching your pet, in Animal Expert we talk about the symptoms of tapeworms in cats, as well as the means of infection and treatment.
- Em muitos casos.
- Os sintomas provocados ??pelas tênias em gatos podem ser leves e difíceis de detetar.
- Entretanto.
- às vezes.
- Podem aparecer problemas mais graves que revelam a teníase felina.
These symptoms are a consequence of the presence and how to feed these irritating worms. Here’s how to do it:
On the one hand, to avoid being expelled by the host’s faeces, these parasites adhere to the intestinal wall with mechanisms that vary by tapeworm species, and include suction cups and sometimes hooks. As you can imagine, this causes irritation and inflammation of the intestinal tissue, which can cause abdominal pain in the host. See our article to find out how to identify signs of pain in cats.
In addition, the mere presence of these worms in the animal’s digestive system can cause diarrhea and intestinal obstructions if there are a large number of worms.
We also observed how tapeworms “steal” some of the nutrients the cat ingests, causing problems in its diet, such as lack of vitamins and stunted growth of our kitten.
In the case of Dipylidium caninum, a relatively common tapeworm in cats, it can be detected by itching in the area near the anus. In fact, the parasite’s eggs come out of the cat’s anus with parts of the worm (called proglotis) that move around the area, causing discomfort.
There are many species of tapeworms and, depending on the type in question, they can affect different animals. In addition, the life cycle of tapeworms can vary from species to species, but generally have common characteristics.
As for the type of worm, cats may be infected with tapeworms of the species Dipylidium caninum, Taenia taeniformis, Diphyllobotrium latum, and may also house certain species of Echinoccocus, which are typical tapeworms of dogs, and other canids.
How does it infect a cat’ tape?
It is necessary to know the differences between the final and intermediate host: the final host is the animal that houses adult worms that feed and reproduce in their intestines through eggs.
These eggs are devoured by another animal, called an intermediate host. In the tissues of the intermediate host, the eggs become larvae waiting to be ingested by the final host.
Therefore, the ultimate host, like the cat, becomes infected by eating meat from intermediate hosts containing the parasite’s larvae, and thus develops the adult worm and begins the cycle.
Forms of contagion
As already said, not only cats can be affected by worms, but also humans, so prevention is critical.
Thus, for example, man can act as the definitive host of the Diphyllobotrium latum, eating parasitic raw fish. Rarely, you may get Dipylidium caninum by ingesting fleas voluntarily or involuntarily (which is possible in children). In both cases, the adult worm develops in the intestines of the affected person.
It may also be an intermediate host for some species of Echinococcus to develop, in this case, cysts with parasite larvae in their tissues (liver, lung, for example), in a process called hydatidosis.
In the case of solitary cats, prevention plays a key role. However, if the measures taken are not sufficient to prevent contagion, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are necessary.
Diagnosis is based on the examination of the animal’s faeces (coprological examination), performed by a veterinarian under the microscope, in an attempt to observe the eggs of the parasite.
In some cases, through a blood test, we can detect antibodies against the parasite, diagnose the disease and the species of worm involved.
Treatment to eliminate tapeworm in cats is based on the use of drugs such as praziquantel, effective against flatworms. This medicine is administered orally, usually in tablet form, on a veterinary prescription.
In addition, depending on the severity of the case and the associated clinical symptoms (diarrhoea, malnutrition, etc.), complementary treatment may be necessary (e.g. by providing a dietary supplement).
As we have seen, tape in cats can cause quite serious problems for our furry friends. Fortunately, however, there are effective ways to prevent and treat it.
To avoid contagion, we recommend not feeding our cats uncooked meat or fish. In cases where the feline has access to the outside, it is advisable to avoid or control the coma of rodents or dead animals to the greatest extent possible.
It is also essential to prevent and remove fleas from the animal with repellents, such as pipettes and pest collars. Always under the supervision of a veterinarian, and controlling the hygiene of the environment where the cat lives.
Another important factor in preventing diseases caused by feline worms is regularly deworming pets with an effective product against intestinal worms, such as praziquantel. This should be done under the supervision of your veterinarian.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.
If you would like to read articles similar to, we recommend that you visit our Parasitic Diseases section.