Tapeworms
This common worm affects both dogs and cats. Transmission occurs when your dog or cat bites and "eats" a flea. The tapeworm then attaches to the intestine and begins to grow "segments." Each tapeworm segment is approximately ¼ to ½ inch long, flat, and white. They dry up to resemble a small yellow flat seed, like a small grain of rice. Your vet will make the diagnosis by seeing these segments on the stool or on the pet’s back end. The veterinarian will prescribe either oral tablets or an injection. The tapeworm medication kills existing tapeworms but it does not prevent future infection. The only prevention is strict flea-control. |