Whipworm, a canine intestinal parasite, can wreck havoc on a dog's digestive system. Picked up from moist contaminated soil, whipworms live in a dog's large intestine. It is a common parasite found throughout the United States. There are several medications that treat this condition.
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Anthelmintic
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Anthelmintic pertains to a substance that destroys or prevents the development of parasitic worms. Anthelmintics treat whipworm infections in dogs and other species.
Benzimidazoles
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Benzimidazoles treat whipworm infections by immobilization of parasites. These oral compounds kill worms and larval stages in the intestinal tract. Examples include mebendazole, flubendazole, fenbendazole and others.
Macrolides
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Marcrolides are the most effective and least toxic of the anthelmintics. Given orally, topically or by injection, these drugs cause death and paralysis of whipworms. Ivermectin is the most commonly used drug in this group.
Pyrantal
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Oral pyrantal blocks nerve transmissions in whipworms. Poor absorption through intestines makes this drug safe for the youngest animals. It kills the intestinal worms, but does not go into the animal's blood.
Other Anthelmintics
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Piperazines, isoquinolones, dichlorvos, and arsenicals have the ability to eliminate whipworm infections. Most arsenicals have been replaced by safer, more effective drugs.
Combinations
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Whipworms may not be the only parasites infecting an animal; therefore combination drugs would provide an advantage. Ivermectin plus pyrantal is available in a beef-based chewable product, killing not only whipworms and roundworms, but heartworm larvae as well.
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