Cucumber tapeworm in cats: how it manifests itself, why it is dangerous, how to identify and treat it

Cucumber tapeworm in cats is the cause of dipylidiasis, a disease caused by the presence of tapeworms in the digestive tract. The helminth belongs to the cystode class of parasites and owes its original name to the shape of its segments, reminiscent of sprouted cucumber seeds. Cucumber tapeworm most often affects animals, but is sometimes found in humans.

Cucumber tapeworm in cats

Description

The worm is distinguished by its impressive length, which in an adult individual can be up to seventy centimeters. There are specimens reaching one and a half meters. The width of the flat helminth is small, only three millimeters. Body color is white or with a slightly pinkish tint. The cucumber tapeworm, like many tapeworms, is a hermaphrodite, that is, it has a set of female and male characteristics that makes fertilization possible without the participation of other individuals.

The head (scolex) of the parasite is notable for the fact that it contains a trunk, four suckers, and hooks arranged in several rows. They allow the parasite to firmly adhere to the intestinal wall of the host.

Cucumber tapeworm

On a note! It is noteworthy that each of the many segments of the worm contains up to thirty eggs, and, in fact, is an independent unit, that is, it is capable of moving and developing autonomously.

Spreading

Cucumber tapeworm infection is common throughout the world. Animal nurseries and dog walking areas are considered endemic areas.

People are not often infected with this parasite, but if cases of cucumber tapeworm infection are recorded, it is mainly in young children. In the last 20 years, only 16 cases of infection have been reported, almost all in children. Cases of infestation are found in Europe, the Philippines, China, Japan, Argentina and the United States of America.

Life cycle

Everything happens as follows:

• the young worm enters the host’s body through the mouth, passes through the digestive tract and becomes fixed on the intestinal wall. There it grows and develops for two to three weeks until it becomes an adult parasite;
• In the body of a sexually mature individual, eggs mature, some of which leave the body of the host animal with feces. Some remain in the grass and on the ground, others settle on the fur, around the anus;
• helminth eggs are eaten by parasitic insects, which serve as intermediate hosts for the cucumber tapeworm;
• In the body of fleas or lice eaters, tapeworm larvae are transformed into cysticercoids - another form of tapeworm development.

Life cycle of cucumber tapeworm

Attention! Parasitic insects are accidentally ingested by cats, dogs and other furry predators in whose fur they live. Thus, the larvae of the cucumber tapeworm, together with the body of the intermediate host - the flea, enter the gastrointestinal tract of the warm-blooded animal, and everything repeats all over again.

Establishing diagnosis

A veterinarian examines a pet with a suspected cucumber tapeworm infestation to determine whether the animal is actually infected and whether the parasite can be transmitted to humans.

In addition to external signs of invasion, there are also laboratory tests using the Fulleborn method, which check the presence of eggs, segments or cocoons of a specific type in the waste of an animal.

The eggs of this worm are found in the feces, interconnected in ten to fifteen pieces in the form of packages. Each egg has six hooks for attachment to the intermediate host. Diagnosis is carried out several times to exclude a false negative diagnosis.

What happens in the body

Helminths live in the small intestine, where they feed on nutrients that the host does not receive. As the helminthic mass grows, the animal's condition worsens, the likelihood of intestinal bleeding increases, as well as the risk of obstruction. The presence of intestinal worms disrupts the condition and functionality of the animal's digestive tract. The mucous membrane is injured, toxins - the results of the vital activity of helminths - are absorbed into the blood, causing allergies and other health problems. During the period of tapeworm migration, the owner also receives as a “bonus” representatives of pathogenic flora, which become the cause of a number of diseases.

Worms disrupt the condition and functionality of the animal’s digestive tract

How to remove worms from a kitten

When treating kittens for parasites, you should be very careful; it is easy to cause harm to an organism that is not yet fully strengthened. You must strictly follow all the doctor’s instructions and follow the dosage of the medicine.

For small pets, one of the medications recommended by experts is Dirofen.

Dirofen has proven itself in the treatment of helminthic infestations in kittens

This anthelmintic drug consists of two substances - pyrantel and praziquantel. The first substance causes a kind of paralysis in parasites, and the second destroys their intestines and, ultimately, the helminth itself. Dirofen has a gentle, gentle effect on the kitten’s body.

A kitten's swollen tummy may indicate a helminthic infestation.

Signs of infection in cats

In the early stages, dipylidia may be asymptomatic, but the more time passes, the more noticeable is the destructive effect of worms on the body.

You can suspect the presence of intestinal worms in a domestic cat based on the following signs:

• unkempt fur that sticks out in clumps;
• itching in the perianal area - the cat constantly licks the anus, “rides” its butt on the carpets and floor. As a result, the mucous membrane under the tail becomes inflamed, hurts and itches even more;
• digestive disorders accompanied by nausea and vomiting, which are the results of severe intoxication of the body;
• Unstable appetite - the cat either refuses food or eats more than usual. Worms deprive the animal of a significant amount of food, so in the intervals between attacks of nausea the animal eats “with reserve”;
• problems with bowel movements, when diarrhea alternates with constipation;
• decrease in general tone. The animal moves little, sleeps for a long time, looks tired and exhausted;

  A cat's inactivity is the main symptom of health problems.

• swollen sides;
• pain in the abdomen when the animal lies with its hind legs waiting and reacts aggressively to attempts to stroke and pick up;
• discharge from the eyes;
• increased production of saliva.

Attention! A cat suffering from cucumber tapeworm quickly weakens and loses weight. Animals that are not treated die. Most often, cat babies suffer in the first months of life. An adult body is able to resist destruction longer, but without medicinal support, a sad result is inevitable.

The structure of the cucumber tapeworm

Symptoms and diagnosis of worm infection

Symptoms of worm infection are divided into general (indicating a helminthic infestation) and specific (indicating a specific type of helminth).

Are common

Common symptoms of worm infection include:

• bloating;
• loss or increase in appetite;
• the animal crawls with its butt on the floor;
• sudden weight loss, despite excellent appetite;
• vomiting;
• changes in stool, manifested by both constipation and diarrhea;
• elevated temperature;
• apathy, lethargy;
• developmental delay in kittens;
• appearance of cough.

When the disease is advanced, the following signs may appear:

• convulsions;
• difficult intermittent breathing;
• hair loss;
• Pregnant cats may experience premature labor.

Sometimes the owner can notice worm eggs with the naked eye, but more often they are microscopic in size

Specific

If an animal becomes infected with tapeworms, the signs of infection will be:

• loss of appetite;
• loss of coat shine;
• nausea, vomiting, which may be with blood;
• constipation or loose stools.

Signs of roundworm infestation:

• loss of appetite;
• high fluid intake;
• anemia;
• diarrhea;
• sudden weight loss;
• vomit.

If an animal has flat flukes, the owner may note in the pet:

• loss of appetite or sudden satiety;
• vomiting with foam or blood;
• stomach ache;
• high temperature.

However, the most accurate way to determine whether a cat has worms is through stool tests. Sometimes the diagnosis can give a negative result, but this does not mean that the animal is healthy, it’s just that the worm eggs have not yet entered the animal’s feces, so after some time it is necessary to take the tests again.

For additional research, the animal’s blood is also taken for analysis.

Video: how to determine if a cat has worms

Diagnostics

A caring owner can conduct an initial check of a cat for intestinal tapeworms at home. To do this, just carefully examine the contents of the tray. Cucumber tapeworm eggs are oval or round. They cannot be ignored in feces, where they are present in sticky lumps, containing up to 20 units. In the feces you can also see segments that have come off the worm. But only a laboratory test can confirm that what is discovered is the life form of the cucumber tapeworm, so it is better to show the cat to a veterinarian.

The specialist will listen to the owner’s complaints, examine the animal and prescribe:

• blood test (general and biochemical);
• urine test;
• stool testing using the Fulleborn method.

Studying a piece of feces under a microscope allows you to classify the type of parasite

The latter consists of dissolving a fragment of feces in a saline solution, filtering and settling. The floating eggs and larvae of worms are examined under a microscope. It is this type of diagnosis that makes it possible to classify the type of parasite from many similar ones.

Symptoms of a person having

Dipylidiasis is mostly asymptomatic and does not manifest itself in any way. It happens that there are still signs of cucumber tapeworm infection, but they are not clearly expressed, so they go unnoticed by humans. However, sometimes the disease is accompanied by signs that are difficult to miss.

The most characteristic symptoms of cucumber tapeworm in humans should be highlighted.

Morning sickness is one of the signs of dipilidia

They may appear:

• lack of appetite or changes in taste;
• nausea in the morning, after eating;
• bloating and flatulence;
• bowel dysfunction;
• excessive salivation;
• pale skin;
• the appearance of itching and discomfort in the anus;
• irritability and nervousness.

A person suddenly loses weight without any reason. Weakness and increased fatigue appear, while body temperature can reach up to 37.5 degrees. Parasitism of the cucumber tapeworm in the human body causes dangerous consequences - intestinal inflammation, anemia or cholecystitis.

Often the disease goes away on its own, because the parasite does not live in the human body for more than 1 year, but there is a danger of allergic reactions, which cause a number of complications and can even lead to the death of the patient. The thing is that during the period of residence in the human body, the cucumber tapeworm releases toxic substances that can cause skin itching, allergies, and in exceptional cases lead to anaphylactic shock.

Most complications arising from the parasite are related to the functioning of the digestive tract. In case of disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract due to dipylidia, dehydration of the body is often diagnosed.

Laboratory examination of stool

Detection of the first signs of cucumber tapeworm infection is a signal to seek medical help, because the initial stage of the disease is quite easy to cure, unlike advanced cases.

Treatment

It should be said right away that therapy for any helminthiasis is selected taking into account:

• varieties of worms;
• degree of damage to the body;
• age of the animal;
• general health.

The dosage of drugs is determined based on the weight of the animal.

Only a veterinarian can prescribe the necessary and correct treatment.

Medicines for various purposes are used in therapy.

To get rid of cucumber tapeworm, give your cat (1 mg per 1 kg of body weight) medications such as:

1. Caniquantel plus is a tablet whose action is due to the presence of praziquantel and fenbendazole in the composition.
2. Quantum is a drug based on mebendazole.
3. Drontal, which contains pyrantel embonate, as well as febantel and praziquantel.

The drug Quantum for ridding an animal of cucumber tapeworm

Also acceptable:

1. Fenagel is a paste, a small amount of which is given with food. The dosage is the same.
2. Fenasal - powder. It is also better to feed it to the cat with something tasty. Dosage 0.2 g/1 kg of cat's weight.
3. Mebendazole (40 mg/1 kg), with food.
4. Bunamidine (35 mg/1 kg). Give three hours before meals.

To combat pathogenic flora - a companion of the cucumber tapeworm - antibiotics are indicated, the choice of which depends on the type of bacterium.

Three ways to give a pill to a cat

To maintain the body's defenses and prevent dehydration, subcutaneous or intravenous administration of special medicinal solutions is practiced.

Table 1. Features of the use of individual drugs for the treatment of dipylidia depending on the age (weight) of the pet

Disease prevention

A disease such as dipilidia is carried by various parasitic insects, so it is very important to carefully treat the pet itself, as well as disinfect living quarters. It is worth noting that a kitten infected with cucumber tapeworm in most cases dies. It is because of this that it is necessary to regularly prevent infestations in young pets.

In order to thoroughly disinfect the room, it is necessary to treat it with special means, such as Ardex, Actol, Perol. You can also use a 1.5% solution of Dichlorvos. These drugs can be used to treat the hair of pets.

The tray, as well as all toys, carriers, and pet rugs must be treated at high temperatures from time to time. To do this, you can simply scald them with boiling water. Low temperatures are also suitable, for example, taking containers out into the cold in winter.

To prevent the appearance of cucumber tapeworm in the intestines of a pet, it is recommended to use a flea collar. But if at the time of purchasing the accessory the pet already has parasites, then you need to bathe it using a special shampoo, and then put on the collar.

It is worth noting that a cat may not have a disease such as dipylidia in its entire life, but additional safety measures will allow you to be sure that it will definitely not appear.

Thus, borage prevention in cats has a very important role in preventing the occurrence of disease in animals. It is necessary to buy a collar for your pet, periodically disinfect the premises and the animal’s belongings, and monitor the cleanliness of the pet itself. But if a cat exhibits the first symptoms of the disease, it is necessary in any case to contact a veterinarian for diagnosis and prescribing the correct treatment.

Possible complications

When helminths live in an animal’s body for a long time, there is a risk of developing complications. This is because:

• immune status decreases, which means the body loses its ability to resist infections;
• exhaustion progresses, resulting in disruptions in the functioning of organs and systems;
• intoxication increases, which, among other things, worsens the condition and well-being of the animal.

With delayed treatment, in addition to the main therapy, doctors have to pay attention to inflammation:

• gastric mucosa (gastritis);
• large intestine (colitis);
• small intestine (enteritis);
• pancreas (pancreatitis);
• gallbladder (cholecystitis).

Once a year, for preventive maintenance, the cat must be taken to the veterinarian

Attention! Of great importance is the restorative diet, which is prescribed to the furry patient after recovery from helminthiasis. It is recommended to feed the animal a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. The best option would be ready-made food for weakened cats in the premium and super premium segment.

Infection of a person with worms from a pet

The following types of worms are transmitted to humans from cats:

• roundworms;
• toxocara;
• Echinococcus;
• pinworms.

Helminths are transmitted to humans from cats in the following ways:

• direct contact with pets;
• failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
• through cat feces or saliva.

If a person becomes infected with worms and does not start treatment on time, this can lead to dangerous and very unpleasant consequences:

• development of acute form of colitis;
• development of ulcers in the small and large intestines;
• constipation, flatulence, bleeding in the intestines;
• development of pneumonia, bronchial asthma;
• allergies;
• brain tumor;
• pancreatitis or liver abscess.

The danger of cucumber tapeworm to humans

This type of tapeworm is as dangerous to humans as it is to cats. Eggs and larvae can easily be obtained from a sick pet if you pet it, do not wash your hands afterwards, and start eating. Getting into the human gastrointestinal tract with food, the worm behaves there in the usual way - it attaches to the intestinal wall and becomes a parasite. To get rid of worms completely, you will need therapy with anthelmintic drugs.

Cucumber tapeworm poses a great danger to humans

Symptoms of infection

The signs that this worm has appeared in the intestines are the same for all carrier animals, but they are not so characteristic that they can immediately be used to diagnose a helminthic infestation.

The animal begins to behave uncharacteristically - avoid touching the stomach due to severe pain. Dipilidiosis provokes vomiting and intestinal disorders; in cats, constipation and diarrhea appear alternately.

Due to the fact that the worm attaches with its hooks and proboscis to the intestinal walls, intestinal obstruction, internal bleeding occurs, and toxins that spread from the attachment site poison the host’s body, causing allergic reactions.

Due to the fact that the foreign organism begins to draw upon itself the energy that the owner receives from food, your pet may suddenly increase its appetite and increase salivation, even to the point of running down its face.

The animal becomes depressed, irritable, sleeps poorly and wanders around a lot without a goal, as pain prevents it from doing its usual activities. His fur stands up and randomly sticks out in clumps, as the pet stops looking after itself.

There may also be increased lacrimation and attempts to scratch the butt on the carpet or floor of the house to relieve the itching sensations caused by helminthic larvae. If you notice any of these signs, take your pet to a veterinarian for a professional examination.

Important! If you have small children and animals living on the street at the same time, deworm both of them for preventive purposes.

Preventive measures

The risk of catching cucumber tapeworm always exists, since its carriers are homeless animals that live in abundance around garbage cans.

Domestic cats, which are let out to walk by their “caring” owners, are most at risk. Much has been said about the fact that the street is a source of increased danger for stray pets, but well-fed and well-groomed cats can still be found in the company of dumpster regulars. Every time a cat comes home, it brings a bunch of infections to other pets and its owners.

The street is a source of increased danger for stray pets

To protect yourself and your tailed zoo from helminths, it is recommended:

• periodically check the fur of pets for the presence of fleas, and if found, fight them until complete victory;
• provide pets with anti-flea collars or periodically bathe them with preventative pet shampoo;
• wash or wipe your shoes every time after returning from the street;
• maintain cleanliness and order in the home;
• ensure proper hygiene of bowls and trays for animals, including their periodic treatment with household antiseptics;
• exclude unfrozen meat, stale food, unwashed vegetables and fruits from your pet’s diet;
• periodically give your animals antihelminthic drugs: for those visiting the street - every 6 months, for homebodies - once a year;
• wipe the floor, upholstered furniture, window sills and other surfaces where furry pets like to sit with disinfectant solutions;
• Do not forget about the prevention of helminthic infections in family members, because an infected person is a source of infection for others.

If you suspect helminthiasis in a cat or other domestic animals, you should seek help from a veterinary clinic.

Video - Worms in cats and dogs

General information

In the process of life, the tapeworm changes several carriers, one of them is intermediate. The larvae of the parasite are eaten by lice eaters and fleas; most often they are considered carriers. The permanent place of residence is animals that lick their fur after them. Having penetrated inside the pet, the worm attaches to the lining of the small intestine. The development of cucumber tapeworm in cats and dogs occurs within 4 weeks, then the parasite emerges in the form of separate body parts that are filled with larvae. Each segment can contain more than 25 individuals.

Some of the released worms remain on the pet’s coat, while others spread throughout the habitat and await the next carrier.

You can become infected with a parasite anywhere. The highest concentration of worms is observed in nurseries where there are a large number of animals or in areas for walking. A pet can become infected just as easily as a stray cat or dog. People become infected infrequently. Children are most at risk because they have more contact with their pets.

Infection of a person with dipilidia is random. The parasite can be acquired by ingesting the saliva of a pet or an infected flea, or by eating dirty vegetables and fruits.

Treatment of dipylidiasis in humans and animals

To kill and remove helminths, antihelminthics are prescribed:

• Praziquantel – 60-70 mg per kilogram of body weight, course 1-2 days;
• Vermitin - 2-3 g per day, 10 minutes before taking, you need to swallow 2 g of baking soda.

Symptomatic treatment is aimed at relieving intoxication of the body, getting rid of allergic manifestations and itching in the anus. Prescribed:

• means for relieving spasms in the intestines ( No-Shpa , etc.)
• antihistamines
• digestive enzymes;
• probiotics.

If a blood test shows a low red blood cell count, iron supplements and vitamins are prescribed.

If left untreated, dipylidia can be complicated by chronic conditions:

• gastroduodenitis;
• cholecystitis;
• enteritis;
• pancreatitis;
• colitis.

The patient should follow a light diet during treatment. The diet is enriched with fruits and vegetables. Buckwheat porridge without milk, boiled beef and veal are required.

Treatment is considered successful if a control test does not detect helminth segments in the stool. The prognosis for dipylidia is favorable.

Animals are treated with drugs:

• Fenasal suspension – 1.3 g/kg once with food;
• Bunamidine – 27-4 mg/kg twice with an interval of 4 days;
• Praziquantel and analogues ( Drontsit , Drontal , Azinox ), a single dose of 50 mg of the active substance, is diluted with 10 ml of water and poured into the animal’s mouth at the rate of 1 ml per kilogram of live weight.

If you reduce the dosage, the parasite will not die. Its ribbon-like body will simply separate from the head, which is caught on the intestinal epithelium, and will come out with the feces. New segments will begin to grow from the head and the disease will resume.

General characteristics of the pathogen

Scientists know that this disease was known in ancient Babylon. This parasite is the second most common helminth in domestic cats. An adult tapeworm lives in the lumen of the small intestine, attaching to its wall using suction cups. The spread occurs due to fleas, in the digestive tract of which there are parasite larvae.

The scolex (head) of an adult worm is less than 0.5 mm in diameter. Despite its tiny size, there is enough space for four suction cups. The reliability of adhesion to the intestinal wall is very high, since there are also microscopic hooks on the scolex. The total body length of the worm is up to 70 cm (although there are specimens up to a meter), the width of the segments is up to three millimeters. In total, the parasite has from 60 to 175 segments, the appearance of which resembles a cucumber seed (which is how the worm got its name). This is easy to see in the photo.

Like many cestodes, borage is a hermaphrodite. The worm has a set of male and female reproductive organs. The segment containing the “package” of mature eggs acquires a light cream color. Each segment can contain up to 30 future parasites. Each piece of cucumber tapeworm is capable of fairly active independent movement. If your cat has the habit of sleeping in your bed, then one day you may well find such a “visitor” right on your pillow. You should not think that the segment will look like a piece of a worm: it dries quickly, becoming like a grain of rice.

If you constantly find “rice” in your apartment, although you are not a fan of it, you should think about taking your cat to the veterinarian...

Is tapeworm dangerous for people?

Feline cucumber cestosis is rare in humans, but the possibility of infection exists. The most commonly diagnosed are bovine and dwarf tapeworms. If there is a large accumulation of parasites in the abdominal area, surgical intervention and removal of the worms are required, since the condition can be life-threatening. Helminths affect the gastrointestinal tract, causing complications such as:

Against the background of helminthic infestation, a person may develop cholangitis.

• anemia;
• cholangitis;
• liver dysfunction;
• decreased immunity;
• perforation of the intestinal walls;
• pancreatitis;
• psychoemotional disorder.

Traditional methods of combating dipilidia

This disease can also be treated using traditional methods. Here are some ways:

1. Grind raw pumpkin seeds (half a glass) into powder, add vegetable oil. Take 1 serving at a time.
2. Using an infusion of tansy flowers.
3. A very original recipe consisting of mixing the crushed pulp of one herring, 1 raw yolk, three cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of millet. This whole mass is poured into a glass of boiled milk. Drinks right away (and without wincing!).