Whipworms in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Management, Treatment

Whipworms, along with roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms are the ‘big four’ intestinal parasites that infect dogs. Whipworms called Trichuris Vulpis cause the maximum number of diseases, though reports suggest that morbidity has fallen in the recent past thanks to preventative measures. They are small in size, 30-50mm in length, and reside in the cecum, which is a part of the large intestine in canines.

Whipworms embed themselves in the wall of the cecum and feed off the blood of the dog. In small numbers they are not harmful and don’t cause any symptoms of disease. However, if their numbers increase they can cause gastrointestinal issues such as watery, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy and dehydration.

Whipworms mate in the large intestine and produce eggs that are released on defecation. Once the eggs are on the ground, they are able to infect canines 10-60 days after undergoing a process called embryonation. It is very hard to get rid of whipworms from an environment; after they are released from the canine, they can survive up to five years on the ground. This means that even after the faeces are cleared, there is a possibility that that spot remains contaminated.

Dogs mostly get infected by ingesting substances infected by the faecal matter. Once in the body, the worm makes its way to the large intestine and the cycle repeats itself. Whipworms remain exclusive to dogs and are not transmitted to humans.

A definitive diagnosis is hard to make, because whipworms don’t release as many eggs as other types of intestinal parasites, so faecal tests will often come negative. The faecal float test is used in which faecal matter is mixed with water and the eggs float up.

Treatment is provided regardless as educated guesses can be made by studying symptoms. If there are signs of lower intestinal distress such as watery, bloody diarrhea your vet will treat it with deworming medication. Fenbendazole is the most common form of treatment. Deworming will need to be repeated in around two months to ensure that the disease does not occur.

As a preventative step, drugs targeting heartworm have shown good results. Specifically, Moxidectin based heartworm medication has been shown to be an effective preventative tactic. Ask your vet about the deworming schedule of your dog and make sure it is up to date. Regular deworming can take care of a host of issues affecting your dog and is safe and cheap.

Also read: Deworming in dogs

Symptoms of whipworm in dogs
Causes of whipworm in dogs
Diagnosis of whipworm in dogs
Treatment of whipworm in dogs
Management

Symptoms of whipworm in dogs

As mentioned above, a significant volume of whipworms are required for there to be signs of infection. These include:

Bloody stool: The whipworms disrupt the functioning of the large intestine and sometimes fresh blood in the stool is visible.
Lethargy: Lethargy is caused because salt and water absorption in the large intestine is impaired. This can lead to dehydration and cause lethargy.
Weight loss: Again, the repetitive diarrhea and malabsorption can cause the dog to noticeably lose weight.
Inappetence: The infestation will make the dog feel sick and consume less food because of inappetence.

If there is ever evidence of blood in the dog’s stool and unexpected weight loss, you must make a visit to the vet.

Also read: Obesity in dogs

Causes of whipworm in dogs

Whipworms infect dogs when they ingest substances contaminated by embryonated whipworm eggs. Often the dogs reingest the same eggs they pass out when they are grooming themselves and the infestation increases in volume.

After ingestion, the egg travels to the small intestine where it hatches. From there it travels to the large intestine and is implanted in the cecum which is where it will live its life. The worm will reach reproductive age about 80 days after being ingested. Pups, senior dogs and those with underlying conditions and compromised immunity are more susceptible to adverse reactions to the bug.

Moist, crowded and unhygienic environments are ideal for whipworms so dogs that live in such environments are more likely to contract the parasite.

Also read: Lethargy in dogs

Diagnosis of whipworm in dogs

It is not easy to determine if a whipworm infection is present in your dog. This is because females don’t release eggs that often. Regardless, the faecal float test is done or faecal matter is examined under a microscope. Even if whipworms are not confirmed, your vet will likely treat them given the symptoms.

If there has been whipworm infection in the past or your dog’s deworming is not up to schedule then it is even more likely that the parasite is involved.

Also read: Coprophagia in dogs

Treatment of whipworm in dogs

In canines, where there is excessive blood loss and dehydration, a drip or transfusion may be required. For more straightforward conditions, Fenbendazole is prescribed which is commonly used in deworming. Dogs respond well to do this but treatment needs to be repeated at least three times to ensure that the bug is out of the system.

Management

Treatment for heartworm is known to prevent the whipworm infestation. The drug contains the chemical Moxidectin. Further, it is important to decontaminate the surroundings if your dog is diagnosed with whipworms. Sterilize the bedding, vacuum the carpets and change your dog’s clothing.

Whipworms have the tendency to dessicate, meaning they break down when they are dried. Keeping areas dry therefore is a good idea, but it doesn’t eliminate them completely. Cleanliness along with preventative drugs is the best way to keep your dog free of the bug.

References

Veterinary Partner. [Internet]. Veterinary Information Network. Davis, California; Whipworm Infection in Dogs and Cats
MSD Veterinary Manual [Internet]. Merck & Co., Inc.; Whipworms in Small Animals
Pet MD. [Internet]. Pet MD, LLC; Whipworms in Dogs
American Kennel Club. [Internet]. AKC Inc. New York.;Whipworms in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
VCA. [Internet]. VCA Inc.; Whipworm Infection in Dogs