October 15 - Tapeworm Tidbits

Lora Ballweber, DVM

Faculty, Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology Department

Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Tapeworms in our dog and cat companions are among the most aesethetically unpleasant parasitic infections owners deal with.  Although most are not overtly pathogenic for the pet, the finding of segments crawling on the couch, the bed, or the pet’s fur can be so disgusting to the caretaker that their presence can actually discourage animal ownership.  The two tapeworms most often dealt with in this regard are the flea tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum, and mammalian tapeworms of the genus Taenia.  Recent information indicates the frequency of infection is likely severely understimated; thus, controlling infections should not depend solely on the finding of segments or detecting eggs on fecal flotations.  Although D. caninum is widely known to be zoonotic, certain species of Taenia are also zoonotic with transmission occurring via eggs passed by the dog/cat host.  In addition, egg-based transmission of Taenia, as well as Echinococcus, to dogs or cats can result in severe disease.  The geographic distribution of Echinococcus, which is also zoonotic, appears to be spreading within the US.  Although human cases remains rare, infections are serious enough that prevention in our pets is warranted.  Other tapeworms often forgotten about, but which also infect dogs and cats, include Spirometra and Diphyllobothrium.  Approaches to treatment and control of these various parasites relies on proper anthelmintic choice and client education.

Biography

Diagnostic Parasitology: supervise parasitology section, evaluate diagnostic methods, validate new tests and interpret results; participate in field investigations and in extension activities. Additional research activities: Ecological epidemiology including, assessment of Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp in arctic and marine environments; zoonotic diseases of wildlife; predictive geospatial-based models for parasitic diseases.

Certification 

Professional : Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Microbiology (Parasitology); pending final approval of RVS by American Board of Veterinary Specialties 

Professional : Diplomate, European Veterinary Parasitology College 

Degrees

Oregon State University : MS : 1989 

Oregon State University (Washington State University) : DVM : 1992 

University of Wyoming : BS : 1980 

University of Wyoming : MS : 1982 

Special Interests

Mixed Animal (large and small)

Wildlife/Zoo