Potential Parasite?

[chiwolvesfan]

I don't mean to get graphic here, but it's the only way I can figure to explain what is going on, and hopefully get some help from the experts here.

While picking up the poop of my approx. 9+ month old newf this morning, I noticed what looked to be string in it. I wasn't too shocked as he loves to shred soft toys and towels, and loves his rope bones. On closer inspection, it looked more like elastic, so using a plastic bag, I started picking at it. Nope, not elastic either. It appears to be some type of worm/parasite. There were only 3-4 of them this morning, and then another in this evening's deposit. It is white-ish, opaque in color; longest was about 2-1/2" long, and about the diameter of angel hair pasta.

I called our vet, and they are willing to do a fecal test in the morning if I see more. Exelby is still very energetic, still eating, drinking normally, etc.

Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[Peter Maniate]

Might be roundworm, a common parasite in pups. However you should bring a sample complete with worms to your vet for a positive identification. Your vet will then prescribe the appropriate medication which will normally need to be repeated in 10 - 14 days.

Meantime, all human family members should practice good hygiene, ie washing hands well as this can spread to humans.

Newfondly,

Peter

 

[ardeagold]

Yep...sounds like roundworms. But, if he has roundworms, he may well have other parasites as well (which can't be seen as easily), so do what Peter suggests.

Different worms/parasites require different medications to get rid of them.

Don't be overly concerned, this isn't unusual or anything you "caused". Sniffing on their walks is often how these things are picked up...plus picking up "outside" things in their mouths all the time.

But, you do need to get rid of them. His health will suffer if you don't!

And...be prepared to see them again in time.

We worm ours routinely...every 6 months!

 

[Ivoryudx]

Yes, as was stated above, you need to get a sample to the Vet for treatment, but you also need to be sure and have your dog on monthy heartworm Meds. This not only stops deadly heart worms, it also helps keep roundworms and others a bay.

 

[chiwolvesfan]

Thanks for the answers. We do have all 3 of our pups on heartworm meds. In fact these worms came out in his poop the day after we gave him his monthly Heartguard.

We called our vet this morning because the poop looked free of worms this morning, and she told us to just keep an eye on it. Do you all suggest going and having her test it anyway?

 

[Ivoryudx]

Well it looks like the Heartguard did its job but I would wait a week or so and take a new stool sample in from all my dogs. That will confirm that all is gone, and you won't have to wait til they are full grown worms again to see. Heartguard is good at prevention but once a infestation occurs, you may need something more to competely clear everything.