Cat Hookworm: Risks, Symptoms, And Treatment
by: KurtSchmitt |
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At some point, your cat will encounter a parasite of some sort. One such parasite is the cat hookworm. Actually, there are four types of hookworm that may infect your cat. Ancylostoma tubaeforme, or the feline hookworm, Ancylostoma braziliense, or the canine and feline hookworm, Uncinaria stenocephala, known as the northern canine hookworm, and Ancylostoma caninum, or the canine hookworm (some authoritative sources state that this form of the worm only infects dogs, foxes, and possibly humans, but not cats).
Risks of hookworm -- Critical risk factors include hygiene and environmental factors. Outdoor cats are more likely than indoor cats to contract the worm, and this is the case with most parasites. Cats that roam and hunt are always at higher risk. The worm may be more prevalent where sanitation control issues and overcrowding exists, such as certain shelters. Frequency of infestations may be higher in warmer climates, as hookworms typically enjoy warm, moist environments. U. stenocephala, however, is more common in colder weather.
What your cat is in for -- The cat hookworm is a blood sucker and may cause anemia in your cat. In contrast to the roundworm, which feeds on the nutrients in your cat's intestines, these worms are tissue feeders and feed directly off of your cat's blood supply. The worm will attach itself to the inside of the cat's intestinal wall, and inject an anti-coagulant at the feeding site to keep the blood from clotting. If the worm moves on to another feeding site, the original site may continue to bleed.
Signs and symptoms of cat hookworms -- In kittens or cats in ill health, the anemia caused by the blood loss is usually more serious than in otherwise healthy adults. In rare, but severe cases, a blood transfusion may be required, and there may be a risk of death. Hookworms in your cat may cause any of the following symptoms: anemia, weakness, pale gums, poor coat, black tarry stools, bloody diarrhea, and weight loss. Infected kittens may also exhibit stunted growth.
Methods of transmission and lifecycle -- An animal can become infected by ingestion of larvae. This can be through contaminated water or soil, or by eating an infected transport host (such as when a cat eats a rodent). Larvae can also infect your cat by penetrating the skin (usually the feet). In addition, infected mothers may pass the disease on in their milk.
You will note that in contrast to some parasites, hookworms have a direct life cycle. In other words, they don't necessarily need a host in order to be transmitted.
Adult hookworms hook themselves to the intestinal wall and begin feeding. They pass microscopic eggs into the bowel of the cat, which ultimately end up in the cat's stool. The eggs hatch and develop into larvae (immature worms). The Centers for Disease Control state that under the right conditions of moisture and temperature, eggs can develop into the infective larvae stage in as few as five days. Time varies, though, and this process may take up to three weeks or so. According to most sources, the larvae can exist in the soil and remain infective for many months.
If the hookworm larvae enter through skin penetration, they'll migrate via the circulatory system to the lungs. From the lungs, they'll find their way to the throat, where they are swallowed. The cycle begins again when they may mature and begin producing eggs in the intestine.
In cats, prenatal infection (infection through transplacental blood flow prior to birth) has not been established to occur, as it does in dogs. Kittens, according to some sources, can become infected as well through ingesting the milk of an infected queen (transmammary), but others state otherwise, or that it has not been established.
Diagnosis and treatment of cat hookworm -- Hookworm eggs cannot be seen withouth the aid of a microscope, and otherwise healthy cats may not show any signs of infection. For these reasons, your vet will test your cat yearly by examining your cats's stool. At least two treatments of deworming medication are needed in order to completely rid your cat of hookworm. Treatments are usually given at 2 - 3 week intervals. Kittens, regardless of test results, are typically treated for hookworm during their kitten vaccination series.
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About the Author
Kurt Schmitt, an experienced cat owner, publishes the website for cat lovers keeping you informed about cat hookworm and other cat health problems.
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