Uncinariasis

Uncinariasis 

a disease of dogs and other carnivores, caused by tiny roundworms of the genus Uncinaria, which parasitize the small intestine. The Uncinaria, ubiquitous worms measuring 6–16 mm in length, have an oral capsule with two cutting plates. The eggs of the parasite are excreted with the host’s feces. Larvae emerge from the eggs and may enter the animal’s body with food or through the skin. Adult parasites traumatize the intestine wall, causing capillary hemorrhaging, anemia, and digestive disorders.

Symptoms in severely infested dogs and foxes include vomiting, diarrhea with blood in the stools alternating with constipation, severe emaciation, roughness of the coat, and sometimes death of the animal, most often of the young.

Bethenium with novocain or tetramisole is used to kill the parasites.

REFERENCES

See references under ANCYLOSTOMIASIS.