Whipworms-Trichuris Vulpis

Question 1

Taxonomic name of whipworms

Answer 1

Trichuris vulpis

Question 2

MAIN Species affected by whipworms

Answer 2

Dogs & Wild canids (coyotes, foxes, wolves)

Question 3

Other species affected by Trichuris spp.

Answer 3

Pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, and cats

Question 4

System Trichuris vulpis affects

Answer 4

Large intestine

Question 5

Where is Trichuris vulpis usually found?

Answer 5

All over US

Question 6

Why are Trichuris vulpis rates lower in the North central and Mountain states?

Answer 6

Because the climate is colder

Question 7

Where are Trichuris vulpis infection rates moderate to high?

Answer 7

Southeastern and West Coast regions

Question 8

Describe the anterior end of a whipworm

Answer 8

Very thin and coiled

Question 9

Describe the posterior end of a whipworm

Answer 9

Thicker

Question 10

General morphology of a whipworm

Answer 10

Cylindrical, thin anterior end, thick posterior ends

Question 11

What special charateristic do male whipworms have at the posterior end?

Answer 11

Coiled posterior end

Question 12

What is the size comparison of whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms?

Answer 12

Whipworms are larger than hookworms but smaller than roundworms

Question 13

How long is the whipworm pre-patent period?

Answer 13

3 months

Question 14

What is the infective stage for whipworms?

Answer 14

Embryonated egg containing L1 larva

Question 15

Describe the whipworm life cycle

Answer 15

1) Embryonated egg with L1 larvae is ingested
2) In 2-10 days the larvae move into large intestines
3) After approx. 10 weeks, adult worms lay eggs in intestine
4) Eggs passed through species
5) Eggs embryonate
6) Embryonated eggs in feces

Question 16

List the 5 clinical signs of a canine whipworm infection

Answer 16

1) Signs of blood loss (anemia, pale mucus membranes, etc)
2) Diarrhea (Bright red blood, mucus)
3) Dehydration
4) Weight loss
5) Rough hair coat

Question 17

What do you do to diagnose a whipworm infection?

Answer 17

Fecal flotation

Question 18

What do you look for when observing whipworm eggs under a microscope?

Answer 18

Thick shell, light interior, football-shape, double plugged ends

Question 19

What are the treatments for a canine whipworm infection?

Answer 19

1) Fenbendazole (Brand Name: Panacur)
2) Milbemycin Oxime (Brand Name: Interceptor)
3) Milbemycin Oxime + Lufenuron (Sentinel)

Question 20

What does the drug Interceptor do?

Answer 20

Heartworm preventative & active against hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms

Question 21

What does the drug Sentinel do?

Answer 21

Heartworm preventative & Active against intestinal worms and flea larvae

Question 22

Are canine whipworms zoonotic?

Answer 22

NO