INTESTINAL PARASITE INFORMATION

If you have recently adopted a new pet, or if we have diagnosed your pet with an intestinal parasite, you probably have lots of questions.  We are providing some links to some great information about intestinal parasites.

The COMPANION ANIMAL PARASITE COUNCIL is made up of the best experts in the country on parasites pets and people.  Veterinarians, parasitologists, pediatricians, MDs, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) make up this council.  Click on the link to get connected to their recommendations on pet parasites.

At Deer Run Animal Hospital we use one of the best methods for intestinal parasite detection called Zinc Sulfate Centrifugation.  It is preformed by our national reference laboratory, Antech Diagnostics.  Click for Antech's Intestinal Parasite Awareness Brochure and for Actionable Steps Pet Owners Should Take to Prevent Parasites

Below are links to handouts from the Veterinary Information Network's (VIN) Veterinary Partner Pet Library about the individual intestinal parasites we commonly diagnose in our patients. 

Remember your pets feces should be examined every 6-12 months for intestinal parasites.  A fecal sample should also be checked if you pet is having diarrhea, or has unexplained weight loss. 

At Deer Run Animal Hospital, we utilize one of the most accurate fecal examination protocols.  This procedure is called Zinc Sulfate Centrifugation.  This test has been proven to more accurately diagnose parasites than standard fecal flotation methods.  Even with this technique it is possible to miss a diagnosis of intestinal parasitism.  If parasites are strongly suspected, a strategic deworming protocol may be recommended to rule out parasites even if the zinc sulfate centrifugation test does not reveal any parasites.  The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends all puppies and kittens, and newly adopted pets receive strategic deworming.

What about "Storage" or Food or Grain Mites?  Occasionally we will get a zinc sulfate centrifugation fecal result that indicates that a grain or "storage" mite was found in the fecal material.  Are these mites a problem for the pet?  In most cases, no.  These microscopic mites can be found in some dry foods that are old, or exposed to heat and humidity.  For most pets they are simply swallowed with the food and pass out uneventfully in the pet's feces.  They are not considered true parasites.  However in a few pets, they may cause allergic reactions that may cause itchy skin.  To learn how to prevent the development of grain or storage mites in your pet's foods follow the suggestions in this link on Storage Mites.