Taenia species, Tapeworm

Taenia species are tapeworms that can be detected in stool. They are intestinal worms and are not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Dogs are usually exposed by eating raw or undercooked meat, offal, carcasses, or prey animals such as rodents or rabbits that carry Taenia larval stages. Taenia tapeworms mainly live in the small intestine, where they attach to the intestinal lining and absorb nutrients from the gut contents. Relevant findings may be associated with altered stool quality, mild digestive discomfort, weight changes, reduced appetite, irritation around the anus, scooting, or visible tapeworm segments in stool or around the rear end. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if visible worm segments, digestive signs, or exposure to raw meat, carcasses, or prey animals are present.

Parasites Worms