Capillariasis in Dogs

Many dogs with capillariasis are asymptomatic, though some animals may exhibit symptoms arising from the infection. Symptoms are not specific to capillariasis and vary according to the type of infection. They include:

• Sneezing and nasasl discharge (nasal)
• Coughing, wheezing, and sneezing (pulmonary)
• Painful urination and incontinence (urinary)

Because the symptoms of capillariasis are non-specific, the veterinarian will need to examine your dog in order to correctly diagnose the infection. If your dog is exhibiting unusual behavior or general discomfort, visit your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will perform an initial examination and take down your dog’s history, which will help establish a complete medical profile.

The veterinarian may conduct laboratory testing as part of a routine exam, though blood tests and radiographs are not useful in determining capillariasis. A diagnosis is confirmed by the identification of Capillaria worm eggs in the urine, nasal fluids, or feces. Adult Capillaria boehmi worms may also be sighted during rhinoscopy, and a biopsy of affected tissue may reveal the presence of Capillaria worms buried in the body. With careful inspection beneath a microscope, the veterinarian will be able to determine which type of worm has infected your dog.

Make sure that your dog has access to fresh food and clean water both during and after the recovery process, and avoid contact with material that may contain Capillaria eggs, such as urine or fecal matter. If your dog exhibited symptoms while ill, monitor him or her daily for any unusual signs. The symptoms should clear as the infection is resolved, though the veterinarian will need to conduct another examination in order to ensure that the parasite has been removed.

Reinfection is possible, especially if you live in an endemic region. The prognosis for capillariasis is good overall.