Synonym(s)
Dog tapeworm infection
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Zestoden infection. Infection through oral ingestion of fleas or contact with dog faeces or consumption of contaminated food.
PathogenThis section has been translated automatically.
- Dipylidium caninum (cestode, cucumber tapeworm).
- The adults are 10-70 cm long and 2-4 mm wide.
- The cestode parasitizes in the small intestine and consists of 200 tapeworm members (proglottids) and is of elliptical, cucumber-like shape.
- Released limbs migrate independently from the intestine.
- The egg packs are released when the limbs dry up. The eggs are taken up by flea species and mallophages. There the larva (oncosphere) hatches, which develops into the cysticercoid in the host. In the final host like cats, dogs and humans, they mature into adults.
- Infection e.g. through oral ingestion of fleas or contact with dog excrement or consumption of contaminated food.
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Occurrence/EpidemiologyThis section has been translated automatically.
Worldwide distribution. Occurs in dogs, cats and rarely in humans, mainly in small children.
Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
- Most infections are asymptomatic.
- Often uncharacteristic symptoms such as indigestion, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and anal pruritus, generalized pruritus, urticarial exanthema, weight loss and blood eosinophilia.
DiagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.
Microscopy of the stool with detection of whitish, cucumber-shaped tapeworm members or eggs.
TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.
- Praziquantel (Biltricide) 10 mg/kg bw p.o. as a single dose.
- Alternatively: Niclosamide (Yomesan) 2 g p.o. as single dose.
ProphylaxisThis section has been translated automatically.
Flea control and deworming of dogs and cats.
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Disclaimer
Please ask your physician for a reliable diagnosis. This website is only meant as a reference.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer