Adult worms occupy the small intestine and eggs are passed in the feces. Environmental contamination plays a major role in the transmission of hookworm. The eggs hatch outside the host and infective can enter the host via ingestion,direct penetration of the skin or, as with ascarids immature stages can be passed directly to pups. Clinical signs vary from subclinical to per acute depending on the number of parasites and the health of the host. Any dog showing signs of anaemia and contact pattern skin irritation should be checked foe hookworm infestation.
Diagnosis is made by via fecal floatation and egg recognition.
The environment can be treated using sodium borate or sodium hypochlorite. Animals infected with hookworm can be safely and effectively treated with Drontal Plus or Interceptor. Severely debilitated dogs will need to additional supportive care as required. As with other protozoans Giardia is a single celled organism. It is a tear drop shaped cell that is adapted for attachment to the mucous epithelial cells of the small intestine.