Feces and Diseases

   Have you ever wondered why dogs like to eat and/or roll in feces? In the past it was believed that feces eating, also known as coprophagia, was caused by either poor diet or poor health. However, this theory is not supported by current research. Behavioral research has discounted the idea that it is a dietary deficiency. Dogs are historically scavengers, and this is believed to be a scavenger behavior. This doesn’t seem like a problem but ingestion of feces can cause serious diseases including parvovirus, whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, giardia and coccidia.

   Parvovirus is considered one of the deadliest diseases and usually affects puppies through the ingestion of tainted feces. Parvovirus attacks the digestive track, killing cells that are important for nutrient absorption. Parvovirus can also affect the immune system temporarily and cause heart failure in some young dogs. The main factor in parvovirus is vomiting and diarrhea that leads to severe dehydration and eventually death.

   Hookworms are bloodsuckers that attach themselves to the intestinal wall of mammals, where they suck out plugs of tissue into their mouth. The result of a hookworm infestation is severe anemia and inflammation. Hookworms can also infect humans. Hookworm infection is contracted from contact with soil contaminated by hookworm, by walking barefoot or accidentally swallowing contaminated soil. Since dogs are known to roll or walk in feces, hookworm infestation is common.  Children, because they play in dirt and often go barefoot, are at high risk. Since transmission of hookworm infection requires development of the larvae in soil, hookworms cannot be passed from mammal to mammal.  The loss of iron and protein retards growth and mental development, sometimes irreversibly. The first signs of hookworm infection are itching and a rash at the site where the larvae penetrate the skin. These signs may be followed by abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss, and anemia. Hookworm can also cause difficulty breathing, enlargement of the heart, and irregular heartbeat. Hookworm infections have been known to be fatal. The best preventative is to discard of feces in the yard.

   Whipworms develop when a dog swallows whipworm eggs, passed from an infected dog. Symptoms may include diarrhea, anemia, and dehydration. The dog whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) is commonly found in the U.S. It is hard to detect at times, because the numbers of eggs shed are low, and they are shed in waves. Centrifugation is the preferred method of whipworm infestation identification. There are several preventives available by prescription from a veterinarian to prevent dogs from getting whipworm. The cat whipworm (Trichuris campanula) is NOT found in the U.S., and whipworm eggs found in cats in the US must be differentiated from lungworms, and from mouse whipworm eggs just passing through. As with hookworms, and parvovirus, the best prevention is to avoid contaminated feces.

   Roundworm infections are diseases of the digestive tract and other organ systems caused by nematodes. Nematodes are parasitic worms with long, cylindrical bodies.  The most common internal parasite, roundworms are especially prevalent in puppies. Puppies are infested in the womb, through the placenta from a roundworm infested mother. A slender, spaghetti-noodle shaped worm that is 2-4 inches long and either tan or white, can be found in the stools of a dog that is heavily infested, or a fecal exam by a veterinarian will reveal roundworm eggs. A heavily infested dog may also vomit the creature whole. Roundworms are the most common type of worm to infect the animal kingdom.   Roundworms can cause vomiting and diarrhea and can have an effect on a dog’s overall general health and appearance. Puppies infected with roundworms will have a “potbellied” (bloated) look to them. Roundworms can become so numerous that they can cause an intestinal blockage and stool cannot pass. As mentioned above, roundworms are zoonotic (can be transferred to humans) and can cause an infection known as “Visceral Larva Migrans”, which may result in possible inflammation of muscle tissue and blindness. Anthelmintics (dewormers) that are frequently used to treat roundworms are pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole and piperazine.

    Coccidia (Isopora canis) is not a worm, but a single cell microscopic organism that will cause “havoc” in a dog’s intestinal tract when present in great numbers. This protozoa will cause watery diarrhea in young and susceptible animals that have immature or compromised immune systems; in some cases, the diarrhea can be severe enough to be life threatening. Eradication of this parasite is usually successful with a daily dose of a sulfonamide antimicrobial agent.

   Giardia are single celled organisms and are commonly found in the intestines of many animals, including dogs. This microscopic parasite clings to the surface of the intestine, or floats free in the mucous lining the intestine. A few percent of dogs and cats will carry Giardia organisms and not show any signs of disease.  Actual diarrhea, bloody or mucousy stool often accompanied by gas production is seen most often in affected puppies and kittens.  Giardia can have a significant impact on the health status of malnourished and stressed pups and kittens.  Dogs that are stressed nutritionally or by exposure or by strong physical activity may have a previously low grade giardia infestation flare up into a significant disease. Clinical signs range from none in asymptomatic carriers, to mild recurring diarrhea consisting of soft, light-colored stools, to acute explosive diarrhea in severe cases. Other signs associated with giardiasis are weight loss, listlessness, mucus in the stool, and poor appetite. These signs are also associated with other diseases of the intestinal tract, and are not specific to giardiasis; therefore positive identification of these organisms is an important aspect of a thorough patient work up from your veterinarian.

   As mentioned before, the best way to prevent these diseases and many other bacterial infections, is took remove access to feces, in the yard and kennel, or other areas where it may be found. Remove feces from the yard or play area at least once a week, but more often if possible. Also, try to remove the feces before rain or snow that may spread the feces and any bacteria or diseases it may contain. Always remember to keep current on all of your pet’s vaccinations, and deworming schedules.

** The author of this article and Petandkennelsupply.com accept no liability for the misuse of this information or misdiagnosis of your animal. This is an informational article only and should not take the place of veterinary care.**