Uncinaria stenocephala en perros
Cargado por
GUILLERMO ESTANISLAO RIVAS CARDENASTemas abordados
- Uncinaria stenocephala,
- carnívoros,
- sintomatología,
- sistemas de diagnóstico,
- sangre,
- diagnóstico,
- cuidado veterinario,
- anemia,
- inmunodepresión,
- ciclo de vida
Uncinaria stenocephala en perros
Cargado por
GUILLERMO ESTANISLAO RIVAS CARDENASTemas abordados
- Uncinaria stenocephala,
- carnívoros,
- sintomatología,
- sistemas de diagnóstico,
- sangre,
- diagnóstico,
- cuidado veterinario,
- anemia,
- inmunodepresión,
- ciclo de vida
Common questions
Con tecnología de IAThe buccal capsule of Uncinaria stenocephala is a specific anatomical feature aiding its identification and function. It is prominent and equipped with two ventral cutting plates on each side that enable the parasite to attach to the intestinal mucosa, distinguishing it from other hookworm species .
Diagnosis of Uncinaria stenocephala is commonly conducted using fecal flotation techniques with solutions such as saturated sodium chloride or zinc sulfate to identify eggs microscopically. The McMaster method can be used for quantifying parasite load. Regular monitoring through fecal examinations is crucial to assess the treatment efficacy and prevent potential environmental reinfection, especially in settings with high transmission risks like kennels and shelters .
Uncinaria stenocephala is considered to have limited zoonotic potential because it does not complete its life cycle in humans. It may cause transient cutaneous lesions similar to "larva migrans cutánea" in humans exposed to contaminated soil, such as gardeners or children, but these occurrences are rare and not typically significant .
In dogs, Uncinaria stenocephala can cause intermittent or chronic diarrhea, sometimes with mucus or pasty stools, weight loss, growth delay, mild to moderate anemia, lethargy, and decreased appetite. The coat may become dull and poor in quality. In young animals, symptoms can be more severe due to lower blood volume and weaker immune response, potentially leading to marked anemia, developmental deficiencies, and anorexia .
Uncinaria stenocephala is less pathogenic because it is less hematophagous than other ancylostomids like Ancylostoma caninum. However, significant harm can occur in cases of massive infestations, particularly in young, immunocompromised, or untreated animals, leading to enteritis, anemia, and malabsorption. Symptoms can be severe in puppies due to their small blood volume and weaker immune system .
Environmental hygiene is critical in controlling Uncinaria stenocephala due to its ability to reinfect rapidly in contaminated settings. Improved hygiene, alongside regular deworming, reduces the environmental larvae burden, minimizing infection risks. This strategy is especially important in kennels and shelters, where high animal density and continuous exposure increase the likelihood of persistent infections .
Uncinaria stenocephala larvae develop optimally in environmental temperatures between 15–25°C with high humidity, which allows rapid embryonation and hatching into larval stages. The L3 infective larvae are resistant and can remain viable for several weeks on moist soil, influencing transmission dynamics significantly .
The two primary modes of transmission for Uncinaria stenocephala are oral ingestion of infective L3 larvae and percutaneous penetration. The oral route, where hosts ingest larvae from contaminated food, water, or surfaces, is more prevalent due to its efficiency and commonality .
Uncinaria stenocephala has a direct life cycle where infective L3 larvae are either ingested or penetrate the skin and migrate directly to the small intestine. Unlike Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala does not undergo pulmonary migration, meaning the larvae do not pass through the lungs before reaching the intestines .
Therapeutic strategies for controlling Uncinaria stenocephala infections include using benzimidazoles such as fenbendazole and pyrantel as frontline treatments due to their efficacy and safety. However, specific treatments might be less frequently used due to the parasite's low pathogenicity. In environments like kennels and shelters, environmental control and hygiene are often prioritized, along with basic anthelmintic treatments to manage reinfection risks .
