Species affected: dogs

Scientific name: Trichuris vulpis

Clinical signs: none may be noted in early stages of infection

• In later stages of infection intermittent diarrhea, weight loss and even death

Mode of transmission: oral ingestion of infected eggs in the environment

Diagnosis: eggs in fecal examination.  These parasites often do not shed eggs that are detectable on fecal examination.  For this reason, using a heartworm preventative, Interceptor/Sentinel that is a suppressive for whipworms is a good idea. 

Treatment: fenbendazole; supportive care

Prevention: Whipworm eggs are very resistant to disinfection so reinfection is common after treatment

• Pick up feces immediately with plastic bag and discard into trashcan until infection resolved
• Wash hands well after handling feces
• Administering Interceptor or Sentinel monthly will prevent reinfection even if eggs persist in the environment
• Preventing coprophagia (ingestion of feces)

Please contact our veterinarians at Animal Medical Hospital in Saint Petersburg, Florida (FL) at 727-896-7127 for more information.