Hookworm Infection In Dogs

Hookworm infection or ancylostomiasis is the most serious endoparasitic infection affecting the gastro-intestinal tract of dogs.

A typical three-week lifecycle of hookworm has different interesting aspects. Infection starts when the immature hookworm larvae enter the host animal either through oral route or by penetrating the skin. These larvae are also transmitted from the mother through the placental route or through mother's milk. These larvae enter the blood stream and make their way to the intestine. Here, these larvae mature into adults. Adult hookworms attach to the intestinal wall using their hook-like mouth parts that contain teeth-like structures. These worms are primarily blood-suckers. Female worms are prolific egg-producers laying up to 30,000 ova per day. These eggs are excreted into the environment along with feces. The eggs hatch in the outside environment and gradually develop into a third stage larvae, which are now ready to infect another host animal.

Diagnosis of hookworm infection in dogs is done using microscopic examination of stool sample. Presence of hookworm eggs in the feces indicates infection. It is hard to detect adult hookworms in the feces since these worms are really small in size and adhere firmly to the intestinal wall.

Hookworm infection causes severe anemia. Symptoms include severe weight loss, pale appearance, dry skin, dull-colored hair coat and blood in the stools. A severe hookworm infection can be fatal for the pups. There are a number of drugs used for the treatment of hookworm infection. Some of these include febendazole, mebendazole, febantel and dichlorophene. In case of young pups, blood transfusion might be required along with deworming so as to keep the baby alive.

Hookworm infection is most common in new born puppies. However, it is possible to control hookworm infection in dogs by following certain preventive measures. Strict hygienic conditions should be maintained in the surroundings. It is important to have the dogs dewormed periodically. Feces should be disposed promptly at isolated places. A nursing female dog should be treated along with her pups since nursing may reactivate infection in the mother.

Larvae of hookworms have also been known to infect humans causing a disease known as Cutaneous Larval Migrans (CLM). These larvae penetrate through the human skin causing a severe itching sensation known as ground itch.