Uncinaria stenocephala

Uncinaria stenocephala is a hook worm, which is common parasitic in the small intestine of foxes. Even dogs and cats are susceptible to parasites and can infect the admission of Fuchskot.

Life cycle

The adult worms live in the small intestine and form 75 microns long and 45 microns thick eggs, which are excreted in the feces. In the environment thereof hatch into larvae, which lasts under optimal conditions, about 2 to 8 days. The larvae are usually ingested with contaminated soil and plants or even on false hosts, such as mice. They can also penetrate through the skin. After penetration of the mucosa, the larvae migrate to the lungs, where they mature. From there they are coughed up and abgeschluckt again and thus pass into the small intestine.

Some larvae can also migrate into the muscle and remain there as a resting stage. From there, they can migrate into the intestine, but also in the mammary gland, or even in the womb, and thus infect unborn fetus or Saugwelpen in the suckling period.

While a small infestation is usually asymptomatic ( hypoproteinemia ) can occur with stronger infestation diarrhea and protein deficiency in the blood.

Combat

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