Tapeworms are very common throughout the world. There are several different kinds of tapeworms, but two types are found most often in cats. The most common type of tapeworm in cats is diplydium caninum. This type of tapeworm is more common because it is carried by fleas and lice, which are more likely to be found in a cat's environment. The other common type of tapeworm found in cats, echinococcus, is carried by rodents and other small animals which may be transmitted to the cat when they are ingested.
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Signs of Diplydium Caninum Tapeworms
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The diplydium caninum tapeworm structure consists of a head and a long neck, with a segmented body. The segments are formed as the tapeworm matures in the intermediate host, which is the cat. The eggs of the tapeworm form in these segments and as each segment is filled, it drops off the body of the tapeworm. These loose segments are released when the cat defecates. The segments will be seen moving in the feces when first released, or around the anus of the cat. The segments are very small, being about the size and color of a grain of rice or a sesame seed.
Signs of Echinococcus Tapeworms
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Signs of this type of tapeworm are not as easily detected, because the egg segments are much smaller. Although the segments are passed through the feces, they may not be detected by visual examination, even by a qualified veterinarian. The symptoms of an infestation of these tapeworms may not appear for months or even years later, when the overall condition of the cat changes. This will be seen in a change in appetite or eating habits, changes in the fur, and changes in the temperment of the cat.
How Tapeworms Infect Cats
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Tapeworm infection is a cycle. For a tapeworm to exist, a food source, a carrier (also known as a definitive host) and a breeder (known as an intermediate host) are needed to complete the life cycle of tapeworms. According to the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, in the case of the tapeworm known as diplydium caninum, flea and lice larvae will ingest the egg segments, usually due to proximity in pet bedding or sleeping areas. The fleas or lice will attach to the intermediate host (the cat) and the tapeworm eggs will then hatch and attach to the intestines of the cat. The tapeworm will then mature and release egg segments through the feces and the cycle begins again.
Health Concerns
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According to the Veterinary Services Department, the diplydium caninum tapeworm is not considered to be a serious health risk for cats. These tapeworms can live for up to two years in a cat, continuing the growth patterns of developing new egg segments and dropping off the matured segments. Tapeworms derive their nutrition from the host, yet their nutrient intake is not sufficient to threaten the cat in most cases. The echinococcus tapeworm presents the same level of risk, generally speaking. The more severe cases of infestation will cause anemia or weight loss in the cat.
Treatment
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There are different medications that can be prescribed for tapeworm infestations in cats. Praziquantel is the most commonly prescribed drug. Epsiprantel is also used to treat tapeworms in cats, but cannot be given to kittens. Dosage is administered based on the weight of the animal. The best treatment for tapeworms in cats is the prevention of flea and lice infestation. This can include regular flea and lice treatments and keeping the cat's environment clean and free of fecal matter.
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