Hymenolepis spp, Tapeworm

Hymenolepis spp are tapeworms that can be detected in stool. They are intestinal worms and are not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Dogs may be exposed by swallowing tapeworm eggs from faecally contaminated surroundings or, depending on the species, by eating small insects, rodents, or other intermediate hosts that carry tapeworm stages. Tapeworms mainly live in the small intestine, where they attach to the intestinal lining and absorb nutrients from the gut contents. Relevant findings may be associated with altered stool quality, mild diarrhoea, digestive discomfort, weight changes, irritation around the anus, scooting, or visible tapeworm segments in stool or around the rear end. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if digestive signs, visible worm segments, or possible exposure to intermediate hosts are present.

Parasites Worms