Toxascaris leonina

Toxascaris leonina

Toxascaris leonina one in the small intestine in dogs and cats parasitic roundworm occurring. Unlike other occurring in these animals roundworms its pathogenic effect rather low and the risk to humans is negligible.

T. leonina is 6 to 10 cm long and has the front end clear Zervikalflügel. The eggs are about 80 microns in size and thick- with a smooth surface.

Infection occurs through peroral intake contaminated feed or paratenic hosts such as rodents, birds, reptiles and arthropods. The pre-patency period is 7 to 10 weeks. The infection is usually without clinical symptoms, with stronger infestation can mild diarrhea occur.

The treatment of adult worms is done by effective against nematodes agents ( de-worming ) as avermectins, emodepside, febantel, fenbendazole or Flubendazole.