(Infection rarely occurs in humans in the United States, but is possible and can be caused by ingesting a flea that is carrying a tapeworm larva.)
Treatment: Praziquantel can be used to treat tapeworms, plus flea control is essential to prevent recurrence.Most commonly, flat segmented worms are seen in stool broken into moving-rice like pieces Diagnosis: Can sometimes see eggs or egg packets in fecal floatation or direct exam.Transmission: Ingestion of adult fleas.Clinical Signs: Worms visualized in the stool, pets sometimes seen scooting or licking anal area due to irritation.(Avoid walking barefoot in infected environments.) ***Hookworms can cause cutaneous larva migrans in humans**.Treatment: Some options include fenbendazole and pyrantel pamoate.Diagnosis: Eggs seen on fecal floatation (adult worms too small to see in stool).Clinical Signs: Diarrhea, weight loss, pale gums (secondary to anemia).(Infection in humans occurs by accidental ingestion of the eggs or larvae.) **Roundworms can cause visceral or ocular larva migrans in humans**.Treatment: Some options include fenbendazole, pyrantel pamoate and monthly heartworm prevention helps prophylactically.Diagnosis: Eggs visible on fecal floatation or adult worms (white, round long worms-up to 10 to 12 cm in length) in stool or vomit.Transmission: May be passed down from the mother (transplacental infection) or acquired from eggs ingested in the environment (fecal-oral).Clinical Signs: Diarrhea or constipation most common in young puppies or kittens that often have a pot-bellied appearance.