Having a hookworm infection in your pet is not a pleasant experience, but there are ways to get rid of it. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hookworm in cats include anemia, weight loss and diarrhea. In severe cases, they can result in medical complications or even death.
Hookworms are small intestinal parasites that feed on blood and other tissue. They can be found in both cats and humans, but they are generally not seen by the naked eye. Infections are typically found in contaminated environments. They are treated with dewormers. It is important to keep your cat’s environment clean to prevent infections.
Symptoms of hookworm in cats include coughing, a poor hair coat, pale gums, anemia, and diarrhea. In less severe cases, they may cause itchiness. In more severe cases, they may cause vomiting. It is important to take your pet to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Infections are usually diagnosed with a fecal flotation test. During this test, a sample of your cat’s feces is mixed with a special solution. A microscopic examination is performed and the presence of hookworm eggs confirms the diagnosis.
Diagnosis
Getting your cat examined by a veterinarian for hookworms is important. The presence of this parasite can cause anemia, respiratory illness, or failure to thrive. Your veterinarian will perform a microscopic examination of your cat’s feces to find hookworm eggs. The test results will help your veterinarian determine the best course of treatment.
Hookworms are small intestinal parasites that live in your cat’s intestines. They attach themselves to the small intestine and cause significant damage. Symptoms include diarrhea, bloody stool, and weight loss. In severe cases, your cat may require supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions.
In kittens, hookworms can cause anemia and can be life threatening. They can also cause traumatic ulcerative enteritis. Depending on the severity of the infestation, your veterinarian will prescribe a treatment regimen to kill the worms.
Hookworms are a zoonotic parasite, which means they can infect humans as well as animals. They can be acquired through contact with infected soil or through direct skin penetration of infective larvae.
Treatment
Taking your cat to a veterinarian for treatment of hookworms is a smart move. These parasites can be debilitating and even fatal. The best treatment will depend on your cat’s age, weight and condition.
For kittens, it is best to start treatment when they are still under three months old. This will ensure that they are protected against parasites when they are still young. You can do this by using monthly flea and tick preventives and heartworm prevention. You can also protect your cat from intestinal parasites by maintaining good sanitation in your home.
A deworming medication, like fenbendazole, can kill these worms. You will need to give your cat the medication for three to five days. Your veterinarian will be able to tell if your cat has hookworms by using a microscope.
Hookworms are a common feline disease. They can cause diarrhea, weight loss and anemia. They can also be passed to humans. The most common way a cat gets hookworms is through contact with infected feces.
Prevention
Keeping your cat indoors is an easy way to minimize the risk of contracting hookworms. It also helps reduce the chance of your cat ingesting the parasites through contact with contaminated soil.
Hookworms are small parasites that infect the lining of the cat’s intestinal tract. They feed on the cat’s blood, which leads to anemia and other medical complications.
Hookworms can be picked up through skin contact, ingestion of infected feces or through the skin of an infected animal. Kittens are especially vulnerable to hookworm infection. A veterinarian can diagnose and treat your cat’s infection safely and effectively.
Cats can also contract hookworms by eating infected animals. They can also become infected through skin contact or through contaminated soil. If you live in a warm, moist environment, your cat may have a higher risk of infection.
If your cat is found to have hookworms, your veterinarian will prescribe a dewormer. This medication has little to no side effects and will kill adult worms. It is important to have your pet tested and treated regularly.
