Roundworms
By Dr Steve Surujbally
(Continued)
Today we’ll look at the specific symptoms of a roundworm infestation of our canine/feline wards, as well as comment on the possible treatment schedules associated with this scourge.
Symptoms
I had said in an earlier Pet Corner column that adult dogs do not seem to have much difficulty with a roundworm infestation, if the dog’s nutritional status is not greatly impaired due to an overwhelming worm burden. On the other hand, however, if there are scores of these one to seven inch-long worms in the intestine, their presence will compromise the absorption of food by and for the host. In fact, bundles of roundworms have been known to create actual intestinal blockage with all of the concomitant symptoms (vomiting, inappetence, wasting away, lethargy, etc) and dangers, even leading to death. In puppies/kittens, even a moderately heavy infestation could kill the animal. Generally speaking, most adult dogs and cats would have roundworms living in their intestines without much expression of ailment.