Pathology of larvae and adults in dogs and cats

Abstract

Endoparasitism remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in puppies and kittens. The ascarids of dogs and cats (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara cati) cause significant pathology due to either larval migration or adult nematode burden within the gastrointestinal tract. This chapter will review the important pathologic events and lesions that are encountered during ascarid development in dogs and cats with emphasis given to the characteristic gross pathology lesions that are seen in affected animals.

Keywords: Ascarid; Canine; Feline; Larval migrans; Small intestine.