Chapter 2 - Parasites in the urogenital tract of dogs and cats

Abstract

This chapter describes parasites of the urogenital system dogs and cats. The urogenital system of dogs and cats is infected by nematodes belonging to two families: Capillariidae and Dioctophymidae. In family Capillariidae, two species are important, Capillaria (Pearsomena) plica in both dogs and cats and Capillaria (Pearsonema) feliscati, which infect mainly cats but sometimes also dogs. These nematodes are characterized by their small diameter, hence their name “capillaries.” They are whitish and look like thread, 1–2cm long, and mainly affect wild carnivores particularly foxes, but they are sometimes also observed in dogs or cats. In family Dioctophymidae, only one important species, which is also the major nematode mainly infecting dogs, is Dioctophyma renale. It is the largest parasitic nematode of domestic animals. These parasites are more commonly found in various wild carnivores including raccoons, wild canids, mustelids, etc. In endemic areas, mink and other mustelids commonly serve as hosts forDioctophymerenale. Capillaria plica infects the urinary tract of dogs, cats, and weasels and causes inflammation in their urinary systems. Important signs include bladder inflammation (cystitis), frequent urination (pollakiuria), painful or difficult urination (dysuria), and blood in the urine (hematuria) in your pet. The parasite accomplishes this by infecting the urinary bladder and sometimes the ureter and renal pelvises of dogs and cats. The parasite is introduced into your pet’s system by the consumption of earthworms containing first-stage larvae. The larvae infiltrate the intestinal walls of the urinary bladder and lay eggs to continue the cycle of life. Though this is a worldwide problem, it appears that wild animals are the most common primary hosts. Capillaria plica (bladder worm) is a nematode parasite of the urinary tract of canids (dogs), felids (cats), and mustelids (weasels), which can cause cystitis, pollakiuria, dysuria, and hematuria.