Latin Name

Toxocara canis, T. cati, Toxascaris leonina

Seen in Cats and Dogs?

T. canis found in dogs, T. cati found in cats, T. leonina found in cats and dogs

How does my pet become infected?

Ingestion of infective worm eggs Ingestion of paratenic host
T. canis and T. cati - via the mother's milk
T. canis only - across the placenta

Signs

Adults - usually no clinical signs
Puppies/Kittens - Heavy infections can cause coughing, runny nose, diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, poor coat and distended belly.

Warnings

Ocular Larva Migrans has been reported rarely in children that have ingested infective T. canis eggs. This is where a migrating larva settles in the eye causing damage to the retina.