Whipworms

Question 1

What is the taxonomic name of whipworms?

Answer 1

Trichuris vulpis

Question 2

What main species is affected by the Trichuris species?

Answer 2

Dogs and wild canids (wolves, coyotes and foxes)

Question 3

What other species are affected by the Trichuris species?

Answer 3

Pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, and it’s rarely seen in cats

Question 4

What system is affected by T. vulpis?

Answer 4

Large intestine (cecum and colon)

Question 5

Where is T. vulpis found?

Answer 5

Throughout the U.S.
Lower in North Central and Mountain States
Rates are moderate to high in Southeastern and West Coast Regions

Question 6

What is the Whipworm lifecyle classified as?

Answer 6

Direct
Pre-patent period: 3 months
Infective stage: embryonated egg containing the L1 larva

Question 7

What is the lifecycle of Whipworms?

Answer 7

1. Embryonated eggs in feces
2. Embryonated eggs ingested by dog
3. Larvae move to intestine in 2-10 days
4. Adult worms lay eggs in large intestine after 10 weeks
   5.Eggs passed in feces
5. Eggs embryonate
   cycle repeats

Question 8

What are the clinical signs of whipworms?

Answer 8

Signs associated with blood loss
Diarrhea
Dehydration
Weight loss
Rough hair coat
Pale mucous membranes

Question 9

How do you diagnose whipworms?

Answer 9

Fecal flotation

Question 10

How do you treat whipworms?

Answer 10

Fenbendazole (Panacur)
Heartworm preventative
Milbemycin oxime +lufenuron (Sentinel)

Question 11

Are whipworms zoonotic?

Answer 11

NO