Parasites Pose Threat to Pet Health in Puerto Rico – and Humans
San Juan, Puerto rico – Veterinary professionals in Puerto Rico are alerting pet owners to the dangers of intestinal parasites, emphasizing that these organisms can severely compromise animal health and pose a risk of transmission to humans. The College of Veterinary Doctors of Puerto Rico (CMVPR) is urging preventative measures and regular veterinary check-ups to combat the issue.
These parasites live in the gastrointestinal tract of pets and feed on their nutrients, potentially causing significant health problems if left undetected.All types can affect humans.
How Infections Occur
Pets can become infected through various routes, including ingesting eggs or larvae found in contaminated soil, water, or the feces of other animals. Transmission can also occur via infected fleas, consumption of raw meat or infected animal remains, or from mother to puppy during pregnancy or lactation.
Symptoms of parasitic infection vary depending on the type of parasite and the severity of the infestation. Common signs include:
* Diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus)
* Vomiting
* Weight loss
* Dilated abdomen (notably in puppies)
* Lethargy or weakness
* Visible worms in stool or around the anus
* Itching or dragging of the butt (“scooting”)
Notably, some animals may carry parasites without exhibiting any outward symptoms, still posing an infection risk to other pets and humans.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment typically involves oral or injectable dewormers prescribed by a veterinarian, alongside specific antiparasitics for protozoan infections. Vector control, such as flea prevention, and follow-up stool analysis to confirm parasite elimination are also crucial.
The CMVPR stresses that prevention is paramount. This includes consistent deworming schedules tailored to the animal’s age and lifestyle, maintaining good hygiene in the pet’s environment, preventing consumption of potentially contaminated materials, and regular veterinary examinations – even in the absence of visible symptoms.
For further data, contact the College of Veterinary doctors of puerto Rico at 787-520-0237 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CMVPR or Instagram page cmveterinarios_puertorico.
