Guest
Trying to dig deeper into Sophie's Illness.
What are signs of internal parasites?
What treatment would you need?
What are signs of internal parasites?
What treatment would you need?
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lilspaz68
Well-Known Member
Ratty Momma said:
all depends on the parasites in your rat
http://ratguide.com/health/digestive/endoparasites.php
Guest
Would parasites be contagious though??
lilspaz68
Well-Known Member
Ratty Momma said:
Depends on the parasite. Pinworms most domestic rats have and usually don't cause any issues until there's a real infestation, then it can get nasty. The others I don't know that much about. I would read the link I posted, it will tell you.
jorats
Loving rats since 2002.
The Rat Guide is an excellent site for rattie ailments and care. I've got it bookmarked and the first place I go to when I'm researching ratty stuff.
Guest
I would have checked their first ..but I'm at work and I don't have the time to be searching ..but I needed info ASAP for my vet!
hopefloats
Not active.
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2010
- Messages
- 8,668
I think most of internal parasites the signs are in the poo. I had no idea my girls had them, till I started examining her poo. The vet should be able to do a stool sample to check for them, I do not know of any other way to check for them. we used profender on our rats, it only cover 3 types of worms, i am not sure what type.
Guest
and again I picked posting here instead of searching myself because I work in the ER room registering patients, my time is very limited and I am doing what I can ...
lilspaz68
Well-Known Member
I copy/pasted from ratguide
Endoparasites
Digestive
Back to Digestive
Definition
Any parasite that lives in and derives nutrition from its host.
Clinical Signs
May exhibit any, or all of the following signs. However, signs may not be apparent in an otherwise healthy rat.
* Diarrhea, blood tinged stool.
* Distended abdomen.
* Weight loss.
* Listlessness.
* Pruritus (itching) in and around the rectum.
* Rectal prolapse.
Etiology
Endoparasites, Helminths (worms) and Protozoa (one-celled or grouped cells), discussed here, are living organisms that enter a host by being ingested through direct transmission as cysts (larval stage of parasite), via an intermediate (exp. by ingestion of fleas, cockroaches, or grain beetles), or by indirect methods through skin penetration by blood parasites (see Ectoparsites). Endoparasites derive their nutrition by feeding off the hostâs blood.
There are many species of endoparasites, but not all of these parasites infest or produce pathological symptoms in the domestic pet rat. The actual number of parasites present in the rat will greatly affect whether pathological symptoms are seen, as well as if the rat is already immunologically impaired, ill, or malnourished.
Some species of parasites are termed species specific. This means that they can complete their life cycle in only one species of host. Should they enter the wrong species they are unable to complete their life cycle and die, all generally without the host requiring treatment. Some species of endoparasites are host specific meaning that they have adapted themselves to a group of hosts.
Though there are but a very limited number of endoparasites that are host specific to both rats and man, the best prevention is to maintain a clean environment for your rat, prevent your ratâs exposure to other animalsâ excrement, treat any external parasites promptly, and always wash your hands before and after caring for your rat and his environment.
Because there are many different species of endoparasites, some with complex life cycles that take place in different organs of the body, no one drug can effectively treat all parasites. It is for this reason that the veterinarian requires stool examinations, and in some cases blood work, to treat appropriately.
Listed here are those endoparasites of most interest to the domestic rat owner for being either the most commonly seen, but not significant in producing pathological symptoms, or those which do produce pathological symptoms in rats. Also mentioned are those of zoonotic concern to man, although, if adequate preventive care is maintained, are not commonly seen in domestic pet rats. Diagnostics, care and treatment are listed below that.
* Protozoa (one celled or grouped celled organisms)
o Spironucleus muris (flagellate), whose life cycle is direct, and transmitted via ingestion of cysts excreted in feces. It niches in the spaces of the small intestine. May not exhibit disease in an otherwise healthy adult rat, however, those with heavy infestation or who are immunocompromised are noted to have inflammation of the intestines, with diarrhea resulting. 1
o Giardia muris (flagellate), life cycle also direct, and transmitted via ingestion of cysts in feces. Niches in the small intestine. Symptoms are usually subclinical, but may see weight loss and abdominal enlargement. Changes noted in the small intestine are minimal. Hosts include mice, rats, humans, hamsters, and several other species. 1
o Tritrichomonas muris (flagellate), transmission by ingestion of cysts in feces, and inhabits the large intestine. It is considered commensal (living in harmony) and not pathogenic. It does not infect humans.
o Entamoeba muris (genus ameba), transmission by ingestion of cysts in feces, and found in the large intestine. It is considered commensal, and nonpathogenic.
* Helminths
o Nematodes (roundworms, this includes pinworms)
+ Syphacia muris (Oxyurid known as rat pinworm), most common parasite seen in rats. The life cycle is direct and requires only a short time, 11-15 days for completion of the cycle. They are migratory moving after ingestion to the large intestine and then to the perianal area to deposit eggs. These eggs are then disseminated into the surroundings, surviving weeks, where they can be re-ingested or ingested by another rat. Age, sex, and immune status are factors. Weanling rats, particularly males, may be most affected. These numbers diminish with the age of the rat. This parasite is not considered pathogenic unless there is heavy infestation or in the immunocompromized, and then symptoms may include: constipation, fecal impaction, and rectal prolapse. Humans have their own species of pinworm, and are considered a wrong host for the rat pinworm because its life cycle can not be completed.
+ Aspicularis tetraptera (Oxyurid known as mouse pinworm), this parasite affects rats only rarely and is considered nonpathogenic, niches in the large intestine with the exception of the cecum.
+ Trichosomoides crassicauda (bladder threadworm), found in wall of bladder. It can migrate to the lungs. Transmission is through eggs in the urine and can be passed from doe to offspring. Causes irritation to bladder, with resulting dysuria.
+ Strongyloides ratti (dwarf threadworms; family Rhabditidae), a gastro-intestinal parasite of the rat. These parasites have a complex life cycle. The adult parasites which are female only are approximately 2mm in length, and live in the mucosa of the small intestine. The adults produce eggs that pass out of the rat in its feces. Larvae infect rats through penetration of the skin.
+ Nippostrongylus muris (mouse hookworm), transmission by ingestion of eggs in feces, and found in the small intestine. It can produce pneumonia and pulmonary hemorrhaging on migration of larvae through the lungs.
o Cestodes (tapeworms)
+ Hymenolepis nana (Dwarf Tapeworm) transmission direct by ingestion of cysts, or by indirect transmission. Niches in the small intestine. These cyst can be found on fomites such as in cages, water bottles, litter, or carried on hands or spread through the air.
+ Hymenolepis diminuta (tapeworm) requires an intermediate host such as flea, cockroach, or grain beetle for transmission. It is found in the anterior ileum (part of intestine) of the rat.
+ Taenia taeniaeformis (tapeworm) known to be transmitted through cat feces, or feed contaminated with the parasite. Rats can also be an intermediary by harboring it in the liver, and Taenia seralis in the connective tissue. Keep pet rats from catsâ litter boxes when free ranging. Food, in particular meat, if given, should be cooked well, and store dry food in tightly closed containers.
These species of cestodes listed here can infect humans but the potential is low if care is taken to keep other domestic pets treated, and prevent pet rats having exposure to them and their waste, also prevent exposure to wild rats, and insects known to spread the infection.
* Acanthocephala (entazoa)
o Moniliformis moniliformis (thorny-headed worm), found in small intestine of rodents, and may cause enteritis.
Handwashing, insect control, proper care and early treatment for any household animal, is the key to prevention for many endoparasites!
Figures
* Fig. 1: Endoparasite slides and descriptions courtesy of
University of Missouri Research Animal Diagnostic Laboratory
Diagnostics
Obtain history.
Fecal wet mount or flotation as appropriate.
Scotch tape test for presence of pin worms.
Urine specimen for presence of thread worm.
Esinophil (EOS) count. In some endoparasite presence may see increase in this count.
Treatment
Dosages for the following listed drugs can be obtained by reviewing the Rat Medication Guide
Nematodes (pinworms, roundworms)
Treat with one of the following drugs; fenbendazole, piperazine, or ivermectin.
Bladder Threadworm, Thorny-headed worm
Treat with one of the following drugs: fenbendazole, ivermectin.
Protozoa (exp. giardia, spironucleus muris)
Treat with metronidazole/Flagyl. *Note, should not be used in gravid females due to fetal deformities.*
Cestodes, (tapeworms)
Treat with one of the following drugs; praziquantel, niclosamide, or thiabendazole.
Nursing Care
* Treat as prescribed until stool sample clear or as instructed by veterinarian.
* Treat other indoor/outdoor pets as appropriate.
* Treat any additional illnesses if ratâs health is already compromised.
* Repeat cage and article disinfecting at least once a week.
* Remove and discard articles made of wood.
* Provide additional nutritional supplement to replace that absorbed by the parasite such as: soy baby formula, Ensure, Boost, or NutriCal paste (for dogs and cats found in pet store).
* Replace any fluid lost through diarrhea by offering and encouraging fluids, such as water, Jello water , or electrolyte replacement drinks such as Pedialyte or Gatorade (which can be found in local grocery stores). Please note that Pedialyte is only good refrigerated for 24 hours after opened, but can be frozen as ice cubes and thawed as needed.
If necessary offer fluids by syringe every 2 hours. If dehydration is more severe, give warmed SQ fluids of Lactated Ringerâs solution per veterinarian assessment.
Endoparasites
Digestive
Back to Digestive
Definition
Any parasite that lives in and derives nutrition from its host.
Clinical Signs
May exhibit any, or all of the following signs. However, signs may not be apparent in an otherwise healthy rat.
* Diarrhea, blood tinged stool.
* Distended abdomen.
* Weight loss.
* Listlessness.
* Pruritus (itching) in and around the rectum.
* Rectal prolapse.
Etiology
Endoparasites, Helminths (worms) and Protozoa (one-celled or grouped cells), discussed here, are living organisms that enter a host by being ingested through direct transmission as cysts (larval stage of parasite), via an intermediate (exp. by ingestion of fleas, cockroaches, or grain beetles), or by indirect methods through skin penetration by blood parasites (see Ectoparsites). Endoparasites derive their nutrition by feeding off the hostâs blood.
There are many species of endoparasites, but not all of these parasites infest or produce pathological symptoms in the domestic pet rat. The actual number of parasites present in the rat will greatly affect whether pathological symptoms are seen, as well as if the rat is already immunologically impaired, ill, or malnourished.
Some species of parasites are termed species specific. This means that they can complete their life cycle in only one species of host. Should they enter the wrong species they are unable to complete their life cycle and die, all generally without the host requiring treatment. Some species of endoparasites are host specific meaning that they have adapted themselves to a group of hosts.
Though there are but a very limited number of endoparasites that are host specific to both rats and man, the best prevention is to maintain a clean environment for your rat, prevent your ratâs exposure to other animalsâ excrement, treat any external parasites promptly, and always wash your hands before and after caring for your rat and his environment.
Because there are many different species of endoparasites, some with complex life cycles that take place in different organs of the body, no one drug can effectively treat all parasites. It is for this reason that the veterinarian requires stool examinations, and in some cases blood work, to treat appropriately.
Listed here are those endoparasites of most interest to the domestic rat owner for being either the most commonly seen, but not significant in producing pathological symptoms, or those which do produce pathological symptoms in rats. Also mentioned are those of zoonotic concern to man, although, if adequate preventive care is maintained, are not commonly seen in domestic pet rats. Diagnostics, care and treatment are listed below that.
* Protozoa (one celled or grouped celled organisms)
o Spironucleus muris (flagellate), whose life cycle is direct, and transmitted via ingestion of cysts excreted in feces. It niches in the spaces of the small intestine. May not exhibit disease in an otherwise healthy adult rat, however, those with heavy infestation or who are immunocompromised are noted to have inflammation of the intestines, with diarrhea resulting. 1
o Giardia muris (flagellate), life cycle also direct, and transmitted via ingestion of cysts in feces. Niches in the small intestine. Symptoms are usually subclinical, but may see weight loss and abdominal enlargement. Changes noted in the small intestine are minimal. Hosts include mice, rats, humans, hamsters, and several other species. 1
o Tritrichomonas muris (flagellate), transmission by ingestion of cysts in feces, and inhabits the large intestine. It is considered commensal (living in harmony) and not pathogenic. It does not infect humans.
o Entamoeba muris (genus ameba), transmission by ingestion of cysts in feces, and found in the large intestine. It is considered commensal, and nonpathogenic.
* Helminths
o Nematodes (roundworms, this includes pinworms)
+ Syphacia muris (Oxyurid known as rat pinworm), most common parasite seen in rats. The life cycle is direct and requires only a short time, 11-15 days for completion of the cycle. They are migratory moving after ingestion to the large intestine and then to the perianal area to deposit eggs. These eggs are then disseminated into the surroundings, surviving weeks, where they can be re-ingested or ingested by another rat. Age, sex, and immune status are factors. Weanling rats, particularly males, may be most affected. These numbers diminish with the age of the rat. This parasite is not considered pathogenic unless there is heavy infestation or in the immunocompromized, and then symptoms may include: constipation, fecal impaction, and rectal prolapse. Humans have their own species of pinworm, and are considered a wrong host for the rat pinworm because its life cycle can not be completed.
+ Aspicularis tetraptera (Oxyurid known as mouse pinworm), this parasite affects rats only rarely and is considered nonpathogenic, niches in the large intestine with the exception of the cecum.
+ Trichosomoides crassicauda (bladder threadworm), found in wall of bladder. It can migrate to the lungs. Transmission is through eggs in the urine and can be passed from doe to offspring. Causes irritation to bladder, with resulting dysuria.
+ Strongyloides ratti (dwarf threadworms; family Rhabditidae), a gastro-intestinal parasite of the rat. These parasites have a complex life cycle. The adult parasites which are female only are approximately 2mm in length, and live in the mucosa of the small intestine. The adults produce eggs that pass out of the rat in its feces. Larvae infect rats through penetration of the skin.
+ Nippostrongylus muris (mouse hookworm), transmission by ingestion of eggs in feces, and found in the small intestine. It can produce pneumonia and pulmonary hemorrhaging on migration of larvae through the lungs.
o Cestodes (tapeworms)
+ Hymenolepis nana (Dwarf Tapeworm) transmission direct by ingestion of cysts, or by indirect transmission. Niches in the small intestine. These cyst can be found on fomites such as in cages, water bottles, litter, or carried on hands or spread through the air.
+ Hymenolepis diminuta (tapeworm) requires an intermediate host such as flea, cockroach, or grain beetle for transmission. It is found in the anterior ileum (part of intestine) of the rat.
+ Taenia taeniaeformis (tapeworm) known to be transmitted through cat feces, or feed contaminated with the parasite. Rats can also be an intermediary by harboring it in the liver, and Taenia seralis in the connective tissue. Keep pet rats from catsâ litter boxes when free ranging. Food, in particular meat, if given, should be cooked well, and store dry food in tightly closed containers.
These species of cestodes listed here can infect humans but the potential is low if care is taken to keep other domestic pets treated, and prevent pet rats having exposure to them and their waste, also prevent exposure to wild rats, and insects known to spread the infection.
* Acanthocephala (entazoa)
o Moniliformis moniliformis (thorny-headed worm), found in small intestine of rodents, and may cause enteritis.
Handwashing, insect control, proper care and early treatment for any household animal, is the key to prevention for many endoparasites!
Figures
* Fig. 1: Endoparasite slides and descriptions courtesy of
University of Missouri Research Animal Diagnostic Laboratory
Diagnostics
Obtain history.
Fecal wet mount or flotation as appropriate.
Scotch tape test for presence of pin worms.
Urine specimen for presence of thread worm.
Esinophil (EOS) count. In some endoparasite presence may see increase in this count.
Treatment
Dosages for the following listed drugs can be obtained by reviewing the Rat Medication Guide
Nematodes (pinworms, roundworms)
Treat with one of the following drugs; fenbendazole, piperazine, or ivermectin.
Bladder Threadworm, Thorny-headed worm
Treat with one of the following drugs: fenbendazole, ivermectin.
Protozoa (exp. giardia, spironucleus muris)
Treat with metronidazole/Flagyl. *Note, should not be used in gravid females due to fetal deformities.*
Cestodes, (tapeworms)
Treat with one of the following drugs; praziquantel, niclosamide, or thiabendazole.
Nursing Care
* Treat as prescribed until stool sample clear or as instructed by veterinarian.
* Treat other indoor/outdoor pets as appropriate.
* Treat any additional illnesses if ratâs health is already compromised.
* Repeat cage and article disinfecting at least once a week.
* Remove and discard articles made of wood.
* Provide additional nutritional supplement to replace that absorbed by the parasite such as: soy baby formula, Ensure, Boost, or NutriCal paste (for dogs and cats found in pet store).
* Replace any fluid lost through diarrhea by offering and encouraging fluids, such as water, Jello water , or electrolyte replacement drinks such as Pedialyte or Gatorade (which can be found in local grocery stores). Please note that Pedialyte is only good refrigerated for 24 hours after opened, but can be frozen as ice cubes and thawed as needed.
If necessary offer fluids by syringe every 2 hours. If dehydration is more severe, give warmed SQ fluids of Lactated Ringerâs solution per veterinarian assessment.
SGwinn96
New Member
I can recommend you this way to get rid of worms. You can use Anthelmintics such as fenbendazole. The drug is either administered orally with food (0.25% content) or applied in long baths. It is better to buy pure fenbendazole capsules without extra impurities.
Can you recommend it to humans as well?
