Toxocara cati: Common feline roundworm.

General Description: Males grow up to 6cm and females up to 10cm long.

Life Cycle: Infection is acquired by ingestion of second stage larvae. These second stage larvae undergo a period of migration through the liver and lungs finally returning to the gut and ending up in the small intestine. Mice, earthworms and possibly cockroaches may act as 'intermediate' hosts by harbouring second stage larvae. Transmammary infection can also occur.

Location: Small intestine.

Significance: Adult worms may interfere with gut function and cause physical blockage and occasionally perforate it. Clinical infections are more commonly seen in kittens. Viscera larva migras (migration of larvae in human tissue) can occur. Clinical signs are unthriftiness and pot bellied appearance. More mildly, diarrhoea occurs. Death is possible from acute intestinal obstruction.

Diagnostic Information: Eggs in faeces

Control: Prompt removal of faeces, good hygiene in catteries. Anthelmintics