Whipworms-Trichuris Vulpis Flashcards
Taxonomic name of whipworms
Trichuris vulpis
MAIN Species affected by whipworms
Dogs & Wild canids (coyotes, foxes, wolves)
Other species affected by Trichuris spp.
Pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, and cats
System Trichuris vulpis affects
Large intestine
Where is Trichuris vulpis usually found?
All over US
Why are Trichuris vulpis rates lower in the North central and Mountain states?
Because the climate is colder
Where are Trichuris vulpis infection rates moderate to high?
Southeastern and West Coast regions
Describe the anterior end of a whipworm
Very thin and coiled
Describe the posterior end of a whipworm
Thicker
General morphology of a whipworm
Cylindrical, thin anterior end, thick posterior ends
What special charateristic do male whipworms have at the posterior end?
Coiled posterior end
What is the size comparison of whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms?
Whipworms are larger than hookworms but smaller than roundworms
How long is the whipworm pre-patent period?
3 months
What is the infective stage for whipworms?
Embryonated egg containing L1 larva
Describe the whipworm life cycle
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
List the 5 clinical signs of a canine whipworm infection
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
What do you do to diagnose a whipworm infection?
Fecal flotation
What do you look for when observing whipworm eggs under a microscope?
Thick shell, light interior, football-shape, double plugged ends
What are the treatments for a canine whipworm infection?
1) Fenbendazole (Brand Name: Panacur)
2) Milbemycin Oxime (Brand Name: Interceptor)
3) Milbemycin Oxime + Lufenuron (Sentinel)
What does the drug Interceptor do?
Heartworm preventative & active against hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms
What does the drug Sentinel do?
Heartworm preventative & Active against intestinal worms and flea larvae
Are canine whipworms zoonotic?
NO
