Tapeworms

Background

Tapeworms are long, flattened, ribbonlike, segmented worms. They have no digestive tract nor do they have any respiratory or circulatory system. The surface of the tapeworm is coated with a biochemically active cuticle. Absorption of nutrients and some excretory functions occur through this cuticle.

The body of a tapeworm can be divided into three sections:

• head armed with hooks or suckers and used for locomotion
• neck from which tapeworm segments grow
• chain of segments which comprise the remainder of the body

Dipylidium caninum is the most common tapeworm infecting dogs. It is transmitted by flea bites. Fortunately, this tapeworm is virtually harmless to its host, although the appearance of rice grain-like tapeworm segments crawling about in their pet's bedding, anus, or stool can be disturbing.

Treatment

Treatment involves the appropriate medication and aggressive flea control involving both the pet and the environment.