Hookworm

Hookworm is typically invisible to the unaided human eye. They are about ½ inch long and incredibly thin. They are “bloodsuckers,” 300 adult worms can drain 10% of the pet’s blood per day. This can cause extreme stress or even death of the pet. The goblet-shaped mouth is very hard and resists collapse as the worm sucks. The hookworm grasps onto the inner surface of the small intestine with the teeth and then pierces a blood vessel. Anti-coagulant saliva-like substance is released which prevents the blood from clotting. Each hookworm can suck 0.1cc of blood per day. If they release, the wound continues to bleed.

•        Puppies may be born with hookworms.

o       Hookworm larva is tiny enough to migrate through placental blood supply to fetal lungs.

o       Soon after birth, juvenile hookworms are coughed up and swallowed.

o       They then mature in small intestine; attach to intestinal wall and begin sucking blood and laying eggs.

•        Second source of infection is through the mother’s milk

o       Hookworm larva gains entry into mammary glands and passes to puppies as they nurse.

o       The larva then matures in intestine to form blood-sucking adults.

•        Third possibility is if pet swallows hookworm larva found in environment, e.g., on blade of grass, toy and/or water/food dish.

o       Hookworm larvae mature to adults in intestine as above.

o       Soon after feeding on blood hookworm adults begin laying eggs, which pass with feces.

o       Under favorable conditions (moisture, warmth) eggs hatch within 12-18 hours and a tiny juvenile hookworm emerges.

o       This larva is encased within a sheath that offers protection against desiccation and ensures long life in the environment.

o       Larvae reside in moist areas of the soil and overlying vegetation.

o       Larva can live for many weeks without food.

o       These free-living larvae are able to penetrate the intact skin of dogs passing by or as a pet lies on the ground, the heat excites larva and they go right through thin skin of ventral abdomen.

•        Symptoms

o       nonspecific diarrhea

o       dark black (tarry) diarrhea

o       bloody diarrhea

o       vomiting

o       poor or no appetite

o       pale mucous membranes in the mouth

o       weakness

o       emaciation and poor growth

•        Treatment

o       give any effective oral wormer

o       blood transfusions & supportive care (in severe cases)