Hookworms are intestinal parasites of the cat and dog. Their name is derived from the hook-like mouthparts they use to anchor themselves to the lining of the intestinal wall. They are only about 1/8" (2-3 mm) long and so small in diameter that they are barely visible to the naked eye.
Can hookworms be seen?
They are only about 1/8" (2-3 mm) long and so small that it is very difficult to see them with the naked eye. Despite their small size, they ingest large amounts of blood from the tiny blood vessels in the intestinal wall.
How do you know if you have hookworms?
Itching and a localized rash are often the first signs of infection. These symptoms occur when the larvae penetrate the skin. A person with a light infection may have no symptoms. A person with a heavy infection may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue and anemia.
Can hookworms affect your eyes?
Cases of ocular larva migrans have been attributed to zoonotic hookworm larvae migration to the eye, based on the smaller size of these larvae relative to Toxocara or Baylisascaris larvae. Zoonotic hookworm larvae migration has been suggested as a cause of DUSN, largely based on epidemiological features.
Are adult hookworms visible?
Adult hookworms are very small white worms that are difficult to see with the naked eye. They range from about 10-20 mm long in size. So although hookworm eggs are shed in a dog's poop, due to their small size, you can't typically see hookworms in dog poop.
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