Tapeworm-Taenia pisiformis
Taenia pisiformis: Can infect dogs, cats, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, and wolves, and are passed to the cat from eating dog or cat fleas and rodents.
Tapeworm (Cestode) Introduction
Tapeworms are flat like a ribbon, and made up of segments called proglottids. The proglottids contain between 50 to 60,000 eggs. As the tapeworm grows, the proglottids eventually break off and exit via the anus. Tapeworms live in the small intestine and they anchor into the intestinal wall by means of a scolex.
Tapeworm-Sparganosis
Tapeworm—Sparganosis comes from water infected with Cyclops protozoa. The plants growing in this water (like watercress) get infected with the stage of development passed on to humans when they eat the plant.
Tapeworm-Hymenolepis
Hymenolepis nana and H. diminuta are passed to humans if a human eats flour infested with beetles that have eaten rat poop. In addition to normal tapeworm symptoms, nervous system disturbances such as increased restlessness and convulsions can occur.
Tapeworm-Echinococcus
Echinococcus granulosus, the sheep tapeworm causes echinococcus or hydatidosis or Hydatid disease. This one is really bad as it gets into the brain of humans and grows. If the surgeon accidentally pops the sac containing the eggs, you can count on purchasing a cemetery plot. Symptoms of Echinococcosis/ Hydatidosis in the human include an enlarged liver, ascites, swollen abdomen and dull abdominal pain. A CBC (Complete Blood Count) may be high in eosinophils and there may be signs of hemolytic anemia (red cells bust up so there are not enough of them to assist the body in getting oxygen). Possible anaphylaxis can happen if the cysts are ruptured.
Tapeworm-Dipylidium caninum (From fleas)
Dipylidium caninum worms are passed by eating fleas. Dogs and cats can also get tapeworms from eating mice. This worm infects dogs, cats, foxes, coyotes and man.