Roundworms

What are they?

Roundworms (ascarids) are well known parasites infecting domestic animals. Adult roundworms live in the small intestine and feed on intestinal contents.

What do they look like?

Roundworms are large, cream-colored worms that typically grow 10 to 15 cm long. They are easy to see if they are expelled in vomit or feces.

What happens to my cat it when it has roundworms?

Cats heavily infected with adult roundworms may suffer problems with digestion that can result in poor absorption of food. These cats may have diarrhea, vomiting, inappetance and a distended abdomen. Young or adult cats with mild infections often have no symptoms or simply fail to gain weight. However, these animals are still carriers of the infection, capable of indirectly passing the infection to others.

Roundworms in kittens may result in poor growth and in severe cases, death due to obstruction and malfunction of the intestine. Worms may be passed in feces or vomitus.

How can my cat get roundworms?

Female roundworms produce large numbers of eggs that pass out in the feces. Cats become infected by ingesting these eggs which are capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions and can survive in soil for many years. Cats become infected when grooming after being in an infected litterbox or in contaminated soil. They can also get roundworm infections from eating infested prey such as rodents or, as kittens by ingesting their mother’s milk.

How effective is Profender^® Topical Solution (emodepside + praziquantel) against roundworms?

Profender is highly effective against adult roundworms and L4 larvae.

How do I ensure my cat does not have roundworms?

Take your cat to the veterinarian for a complete physical examination. Bring a fresh stool sample for evaluation.

Federal law (U.S.A.) restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.