Definition:
Dipylidium caninum, commonly known as the cucumber tapeworm or Double-pore tapeworm is a “cyclophyllid cestode” that affects flea-afflicted organisms, like felids, canids and its pet owners. These worms are up to 18 inches long, but the eggs can easily be passed on to the host’s feces or even ingested by fleas, which could be passed on to another mammal.
Diagnosis:
Early detection of tapeworms on pets can been seen when pumpkinseed-shaped segments are seen moving or crawling around the anus or in the animal’s bowel movements.
Treatment:
Like any other tapeworm infections, treatment to Dipylidium caninum is drugs like praziquantel and niclosamide, which are given orally or through injections.
Symptoms and Signs:
In cats with cucumber tapeworm, proglottis hang out of the cat’s anus. Other mammals experience prolottis on both genital pores, hence the name “double pore”. Most animals with this condition are asymptomatic, but others show sign of weight loss. Others may experience a dullness or lusterless in fur.
Causes:
Fleas such as Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis transmit D. caninum and cause cucumber tapeworm.
