Ask The Vet: Pinworm Infection In My Child – is my dog to blame?

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

www.TheNewsyNeighbour.com

May Issue 115

Article Provided By: Animal Care Centre of Strathmore

Pinworms – what are they? Pinworms are tiny, narrow worms. They’re white in colour and less than half an inch long. A pinworm infection is an extremely common infection in humans, in which tiny worms infest the intestines and lay eggs around the anus. Pinworm infections can spread easily. They’re most common in children between the ages of 5 and 10. Pinworms infections are highly contagious. You become infected with pinworms by unintentionally ingesting (or inhaling) pinworm eggs, usually deposited by an infected person onto an object. The cycle of infection begins with the ingestion of these microscopic eggs.
Once the eggs enter your body, they remain in the intestine until they hatch and mature. As adults, the female pinworms move into the colon and exit the body through the anus. Female pinworms lay eggs in the folds of skin around the anus. The presence of these eggs often causes anal itching and irritation.

When a person scratches the affected area, the pinworm eggs transfer to the fingers. The eggs can survive for several hours on your hands. Children transfer pinworm eggs easily because they may put infected toys or other objects directly into their mouths. Playground equipment is commonly contaminated in this way. The eggs can also transfer from contaminated fingers directly to food or liquids. While uncommon, it’s also possible for adults to inhale airborne eggs when shaking contaminated bedding, towels, or clothing.

While anyone can get a pinworm infection, the following groups are more susceptible:

·         children who attend day care, preschool, or elementary school

·         family members or caregivers of infected children and adults

·         individuals who live in institutions or other crowded accommodations

·         children or adults who don’t practice regular and careful handwashing prior to eating

·         children who have a habit of sucking their thumbs

The symptoms of a pinworm infection are:

·         frequent and strong itching of the anal area

·         restless sleep due to itching and discomfort of anal area

·         pain, rash, or other skin irritation around the anus

·         presence of pinworms in the area of your child’s anus

·         presence of pinworms in stools

If you suspect that any member of your household has pinworms, please contact your family physician.

So, back to the original question – is your dog to blame?

NO. Dogs and cats do not carry pinworms and should not be blamed for your child’s infection. Only humans, horses, rabbits, sheep and goats are known to carry them. Please contact your veterinarian for treatment options for deworming your animals.

Reference: http://www.healthline.com/health/pinworms?m=2

Dr. Jodi Viste

Animal Care Centre of Strathmore