Tapeworm segments are only passed intermittently and therefore are often not diagnosed on routine fecal examination. If you find any segments, white or golden color, bring them to your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis.
Can a vet test for tapeworm?
Your veterinarian will take a stool sample to test for the presence of microscopic eggs laid by adult worms. The veterinarian will then mix the sample with a solution that makes the eggs more visible underneath the microscope. In some cases, a routine stool sample test may be insufficient to diagnose a parasite.
Do I need to go to the vet for tapeworms?
The surrounding environment must also be treated to prevent recurring infestations. The CDC recommends these steps to reduce the likelihood of tapeworm infestation: Control fleas on your pet, and in their indoor and outdoor environments. Have your veterinarian treat your pets promptly if they have tapeworms.
What does a vet do when a dog has tapeworms?
Tapeworms in dogs can be treated with a parasiticide drug called praziquantel . This drug is available in both oral and injectable form and is dosed by weight. Once praziquantel has been administered, it causes the adult tapeworms to detach from the intestinal wall.
How do vets check for tapeworms in cats?
Veterinarians diagnose tapeworms in cats through a fecal examination. A diagnosis can be made once evidence of tapeworms, either in the form of eggs or proglottids, is discovered in the feces. Veterinarians then diagnose the type of tapeworm through a microscopic examination or a diagnostic PCR test.
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