Stomach worm infection, Ollulanosis (Parasitic infection of the stomach caused by Ollulanus species) in cats
- Occurrence: common
- Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis
Stomach worm infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., also known as Ollulanosis, is a parasiticParasitic refers to diseases or conditions caused by parasites. Parasitic infections can affect the digestive tract, skin, and other organ systems. disease of the stomach in cats caused by infestation with small roundworms of the genus Ollulanus.
The most important facts at a glance
Stomach worm infection in cats is caused by the microscopic roundworm Ollulanus tricuspis, which is widespread worldwide. The parasiteA parasite is an organism that lives on or in another living being (the host) and feeds at its expense. Parasites can cause a variety of diseases in animals and humans. lives in the cat’s stomach and causes damage to the gastric mucosaMucosa, also called mucous membrane, refers to the moist lining of body cavities that are connected to the outside world, such as the mouth, nose, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. It serves to protect and facilitate the absorption of nutrients., as its life cycle takes place entirely there. The females of the parasiteA parasite is an organism that lives on or in another living being (the host) and feeds at its expense. Parasites can cause a variety of diseases in animals and humans. are viviparous and produce larvae that can develop directly into adultThe term "adult" refers to an individual who has reached full physical development and is considered an adult. In veterinary medicine, this term is used to describe animals that have completed growth and are of reproductive age. worms in the stomach. InfectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. usually occurs by swallowing vomit containing the parasites, which facilitates spread within a cat populationIn veterinary medicine, the term population refers to a group of animals of a particular species living in a specific geographic area or environment.. Common symptoms include chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. Vomiting, loss of appetite, and Weight loss. DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made by microscopic detection of the parasites in the vomit or endoscopic examinations. AntiparasiticsAntiparasitics are medications or substances used to treat parasitic infestations, such as worms, protozoa, and ectoparasites. They work by killing the parasites or inhibiting their growth. such as fenbendazole or levamisole are used for treatment, and an adapted diet can support healing. With timely treatment, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is good, with regular veterinary monitoring being important to prevent relapses. PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. measures include strict hygiene, avoidance of raw meat, and regular veterinary examinations as well as deworming treatments, especially for free-roaming cats. These measures help to reduce the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. and ensure the health of the cats.
Causes
Stomach worm infection in cats is caused by the parasiteA parasite is an organism that lives on or in another living being (the host) and feeds at its expense. Parasites can cause a variety of diseases in animals and humans. Ollulanus tricuspis, which is a microscopic roundworm. These parasites are widespread worldwide and particularly affect cats, but can also infest other animals. The parasite’s life cycle takes place entirely in the stomach of the host, which distinguishes it from many other parasiticParasitic refers to diseases or conditions caused by parasites. Parasitic infections can affect the digestive tract, skin, and other organ systems. worms that often require an intermediate hostAn intermediate host is an organism that harbors a parasite for part of its life cycle, but in which the parasite does not reach sexual maturity. In dogs and cats, fleas can serve as intermediate hosts for tapeworms, and certain types of ticks for Babesia..
Ollulanus tricuspis lives in the stomach and causes damage to the gastric mucosaMucosa, also called mucous membrane, refers to the moist lining of body cavities that are connected to the outside world, such as the mouth, nose, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. It serves to protect and facilitate the absorption of nutrients.. These parasites are viviparous, meaning that the females produce live larvae that can develop directly into adultThe term "adult" refers to an individual who has reached full physical development and is considered an adult. In veterinary medicine, this term is used to describe animals that have completed growth and are of reproductive age. worms in the stomach. This allows rapid reproduction of the parasites without the need for an external development stage.
InfectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. usually occurs by swallowing vomit containing the larvae or adultThe term "adult" refers to an individual who has reached full physical development and is considered an adult. In veterinary medicine, this term is used to describe animals that have completed growth and are of reproductive age. worms. Since cats often eat their own vomit or that of other cats, the parasiteA parasite is an organism that lives on or in another living being (the host) and feeds at its expense. Parasites can cause a variety of diseases in animals and humans. can easily spread within a cat populationIn veterinary medicine, the term population refers to a group of animals of a particular species living in a specific geographic area or environment..
Symptoms
The symptoms of stomach worm infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. in cats can vary depending on the severity of the infestation. Common symptoms include repeated Vomiting, which often occurs after eating. In many cases, the Vomiting can become chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. and lead to Weight loss.
Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, lethargy, and dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse.. In severe cases, inflammation of the gastric mucosa can occur, which is known as gastritis. This can lead to pain and further discomfort for the affected cat.
Since the symptoms are non-specific, they can easily be confused with other diseases of the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract. An accurate diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is therefore crucial for the correct treatment.
Diagnosis
The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of a stomach worm infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. requires a thorough examination by a veterinarian. Due to the small size of the parasiteA parasite is an organism that lives on or in another living being (the host) and feeds at its expense. Parasites can cause a variety of diseases in animals and humans., detection is often difficult. In many cases, a diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made by microscopic detection of the parasites in the Vomiting, as the worms are often visible there.
Another diagnostic procedure may be an endoscopic examination of the stomach, in which a camera is used to directly inspect the gastric mucosaMucosa, also called mucous membrane, refers to the moist lining of body cavities that are connected to the outside world, such as the mouth, nose, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. It serves to protect and facilitate the absorption of nutrients. and take samples for further examination. In some cases, blood tests may be performed to assess the cat’s general health.
Therapy
Treatment of stomach worm infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. in cats typically involves using antiparasiticsAntiparasitics are medications or substances used to treat parasitic infestations, such as worms, protozoa, and ectoparasites. They work by killing the parasites or inhibiting their growth. that are specifically effective against roundworms. Medications such as fenbendazole or levamisole are often used to eliminate the parasites.
In addition to drug treatment, it may be necessary to adjust the cat’s diet to support the healing of the gastric mucosaMucosa, also called mucous membrane, refers to the moist lining of body cavities that are connected to the outside world, such as the mouth, nose, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. It serves to protect and facilitate the absorption of nutrients.. In some cases, a special diet may be recommended that is easily digestible and gentle on the stomach.
It is important to carry out the treatment consistently and have the cat regularly monitored by a veterinarian to ensure that the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. is successfully controlled.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for cats with a stomach worm infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. is generally good if the disease is detected and treated early. Most cats recover completely from the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., especially if treated in time.
In cases where the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. is not treated in time or the cat is already weakened, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. may be worse. ChronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. infections can lead to persistentPersistent means lasting or continuing for an extended period. In veterinary medicine, it can refer to chronic diseases or symptoms that do not subside. stomach problems and a deterioration in the cat’s general condition.
Regular monitoring and aftercare by a veterinarian is important to prevent relapses and ensure the cat’s long-term health.
Prevention
To prevent stomach worm infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. in cats, it is important to strictly adhere to hygiene measures. This includes regular cleaning and disinfection of food and water bowls, as well as the cat’s sleeping and resting areas. The environment should be kept free of feces and vomit, as these parasites can be transmitted through the consumption of infected materials.
Another important measure is controlling feeding. Avoid giving your cat raw or undercooked meat, as it may potentially contain parasiticParasitic refers to diseases or conditions caused by parasites. Parasitic infections can affect the digestive tract, skin, and other organ systems. larvae. If you keep multipleMultiple means manifold or repeated and is used to describe conditions or events that occur in multiple instances or at different locations. In veterinary medicine, this may indicate multiple lesions, tumors, or other pathological changes. cats, make sure that none of the cats show signs of infection before they come into Contact with each other to prevent spread within the group.
Regular veterinary examinations are essential to detect a possible infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. early and to be able to take countermeasures in time. Especially in the case of free-roaming cats, which are at a higher risk of infections, regular deworming treatments should be ensured. These should be carried out in consultation with the veterinarian at regular intervals to ensure that the cat remains free of parasites.
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
An interesting overview of gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. problems in cats, supplemented by information on the intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. microbiome and the importance of probiotics, can be found here: https://petsvetcheck.de/fachbeitrag/magen-darm-probleme-bei-katzen/