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Hookworm Disease (Ancylostomiasis & Uncinariasis)
Infectious DiseaseParasiteCanineFelineNew
Key Points
  • Hookworm disease is a parasitic gastrointestinal infection caused by blood-feeding nematodes
    • Primarily Ancyclostoma spp. and Uncinaria stenocephala
  • Most severe disease is seen in young cats and dogs
  • Adult hookworms attach to the small intestinal mucosa and blood feed
    • Blood loss can result in anaemia and hypoproteinaemia
  • Clinical signs include pallor, weakness, melaena and reduced growth
  • Faecal flotation and coproantigen tests are typically used for diagnosis
  • Treatment with anthelmintics is effective but it can take weeks for the animal to recover from anaemia
  • Monthly preventatives and environmental hygiene are essential for prevention
Differential Diagnoses
  1. Trichuriasis (T. vulpis)
  2. Coccidiosis
  3. Toxocariasis (Toxocara spp.)
Overview
Aetiology
Clinical Signs
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Resources
Overview

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Aetiology

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Clinical Signs

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Prevention

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Resources

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Educational content only. This factsheet is for general veterinary education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Not for use in an emergency — contact a veterinarian or emergency service. Full disclaimer →