Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary location of adult whipworms in dogs?
What is the primary location of adult whipworms in dogs?
- Small intestine
- Stomach
- Cecum and colon (correct)
- Rectum
Which species is the common whipworm found in dogs?
Which species is the common whipworm found in dogs?
- T. serrata
- T. campanula
- T. vulpis (correct)
- T. trichiura
What is the shape and color of whipworm ova?
What is the shape and color of whipworm ova?
- Oval and orange
- Football shaped and yellow-brown (correct)
- Round and green
- Square and black
How long do embryonated whipworm ova typically take to mature in moist soil?
How long do embryonated whipworm ova typically take to mature in moist soil?
What is the prepatent period for whipworms?
What is the prepatent period for whipworms?
What clinical sign is NOT typically associated with severe whipworm infestations in puppies?
What clinical sign is NOT typically associated with severe whipworm infestations in puppies?
Which treatment is administered for three consecutive days to control whipworm infestations?
Which treatment is administered for three consecutive days to control whipworm infestations?
Why might whipworm diagnosis be challenging?
Why might whipworm diagnosis be challenging?
How resistant are infective whipworm ova in the environment?
How resistant are infective whipworm ova in the environment?
What is a recommended frequency for checking fecal samples in dogs prone to reinfestation of whipworms?
What is a recommended frequency for checking fecal samples in dogs prone to reinfestation of whipworms?
What is a characteristic feature of whipworm larvae after they are ingested?
What is a characteristic feature of whipworm larvae after they are ingested?
In which part of the United States are whipworms primarily a problem?
In which part of the United States are whipworms primarily a problem?
What role do double opercula play in the life cycle of whipworms?
What role do double opercula play in the life cycle of whipworms?
What is the optimal method for diagnosing whipworm infections?
What is the optimal method for diagnosing whipworm infections?
What is a common clinical sign in adult dogs with severe whipworm infestation?
What is a common clinical sign in adult dogs with severe whipworm infestation?
Which treatment for whipworms is given on a monthly basis?
Which treatment for whipworms is given on a monthly basis?
Which statement best describes the fecal flotation process for whipworm diagnosis?
Which statement best describes the fecal flotation process for whipworm diagnosis?
How long can infective whipworm ova survive in the environment?
How long can infective whipworm ova survive in the environment?
What is an important prevention strategy for whipworm reinfestation?
What is an important prevention strategy for whipworm reinfestation?
Which condition is NOT typically associated with severe whipworm infestations in puppies?
Which condition is NOT typically associated with severe whipworm infestations in puppies?
Flashcards
Whipworm Species
Whipworm Species
Trichuris vulpis (dogs), T. campanula/T. serrata/T. felis (cats), and T. trichiura (humans) are common whipworm species.
Whipworm Location
Whipworm Location
Whipworm adults live in the cecum and colon of the infected animal.
Whipworm Morphology
Whipworm Morphology
Whipworms have a long, thin head embedded in the mucosa and a thick, tail-like end protruding into the intestine's lumen.
Whipworm Ova Shape
Whipworm Ova Shape
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Whipworm Ova Development
Whipworm Ova Development
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Infective Whipworm Ova
Infective Whipworm Ova
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Whipworm Life Cycle (Direct)
Whipworm Life Cycle (Direct)
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Whipworm Diagnosis
Whipworm Diagnosis
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Whipworm Treatment
Whipworm Treatment
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Whipworm Clinical Signs (severe)
Whipworm Clinical Signs (severe)
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Whipworm Appearance
Whipworm Appearance
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Whipworm Life Cycle - Transmission
Whipworm Life Cycle - Transmission
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Study Notes
Whipworms
-
Species:
- Trichuris vulpis: Common in dogs
- T. campanula, T. serrata, T. felis: Rare in cats
- T. trichiura: Found in humans
-
Adults:
- Located in the cecum and colon
- Long, thin cranial end embedded in mucosa; thick caudal end free in intestinal lumen
- Approximately 1.75-3 inches long
-
Ova:
- Football-shaped, yellow-brown
- Double opercula (polar plugs)
- Unembryonated ova mature to embryonated ova in 2-4 weeks, becoming infective
- Highly resistant to desiccation, surviving up to 5 years
-
Life Cycle (Direct):
- Adults live in the cecum and colon, producing thousands of unembryonated ova
- Ova are passed in feces
- Embryos develop in 2-4 weeks of moist soil
- Infective ova are ingested
- Larvae hatch in the small intestine; migrate to the large intestine, burrowing into cecum/colon mucosa
- Mature and begin producing their own ova
- Prepatent period: ~3 months
-
Clinical Signs:
- Mild signs, but severe infestations can cause diarrhea, dehydration, emaciation, and death in puppies
- Adult dogs: Chronic, intermittent diarrhea with bright red blood and mucus ("large bowel diarrhea")
-
Diagnosis:
- Fecal flotation with characteristic ova
- Perform 1 fecal sample per day for 4 consecutive days to ensure detection of intermittent shedding
- Eggs are heavy (SG ~ 1.15) which requires a 20-minute minimum floatation time for effective diagnosis
- Sheather's solution may improve detection sensitivity
-
Treatment:
- Fenbendazole (PO, 3 consecutive days, repeated monthly)
- Milbemycin oxime (PO, monthly)
- Moxidectin (topical, monthly)
-
Environmental Control:
- Regularly pick up feces to allow for disinfection and desiccation
- Use bleach (1%) to kill eggs and larvae
- Steam sterilization kills eggs
-
Public Health Concerns:
- While T. vulpis infections in humans are documented, the reports lack robust validation to consider it a human zoonotic parasite.
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Description
Test your knowledge on whipworms, including their species, life cycle, and characteristics. This quiz covers Trichuris vulpis, as well as other rare types found in cats and humans. Learn about their structure, reproduction, and infections caused by these parasites.
