Jump to section
What are Capillariasis?
Capillariasis is a parasitic disease that is caused by the Capillaria worm, three species of which are relevant to dogs. The infection is commonly misdiagnosed because the clinical signs are non-specific, and the parasite’s eggs, which are necessary for correct identification of the disease, are shed intermittently. Infection typically happens when a dog comes into contact with contaminated food or water.
Capillaria worms are a type of parasitic roundworm that can infect dogs, taking up residence in the nasal passage, the respiratory tract, or the bladder. The disease is not typically life-threatening, and the species of Capillaria worms found in dogs are not usually transferrable to humans.Capillariasis Average Cost
From 151 quotes ranging from $150 - $350
Average Cost
$200
Symptoms of 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)
Top
Causes of Capillariasis in Dogs
Capillariasis is caused by the Capillaria worm, which is a parasitic nematode found worldwide and which can be spread through contaminated food, water, or feces. It varies in size and appearance according to species and more commonly occurs in wild animals than in dogs or cats. Capillaria boehmi is responsible for nasal capillariasis, Capillaria aerophilus for pulmonary capillariasis, and Capillaria plica for capillariasis in the bladder. Infection is more likely to occur in dogs that live in endemic regions.
Top
Diagnosis of Capillariasis in Dogs
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.
Top
Treatment of Capillariasis in Dogs
Capillariasis can be treated with anti-parasitic medication, such as ivermectin. If no complications have arisen due to the infection, treatment may be unnecessary, as the parasite may clear out so long as your dog is not reinfected. The veterinarian will reexamine your dog’s feces following treatment to ensure that eggs are no longer present.
Top
Recovery of Capillariasis in Dogs
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.
Top
*Wag! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Items are sold by the retailer, not Wag!.
Capillariasis Average Cost
From 151 quotes ranging from $150 - $350
Average Cost
$200
Top
Capillariasis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Need pet health advice? Ask a vet
Ask a Vet
Rufus
Greyhound
7 Years
Fair severity
1 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
Runny Nose, Reverse Sneezing
I have a retired racing greyhound that has capillaria. The vet has tried ivermectin, and two rounds of panacure, but he still has them. Any other ideas as to what to try?
Aug. 1, 2018
Rufus' Owner
1 Recommendations
There is no approved treatment but ivermectin is considered to the treatment of choice for Capillaria in dogs (apart from Collie breeds and dogs with the MDR1 mutation); levamisole, fenbendazole and albendazole have been reported as being effective as well. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 2, 2018
Was this experience helpful?
Mika
English Setter
7 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Sneezing, No Overt Nasal Drainage,
I am fostering an English Setter from upstate NY breeder who died. Initial vet check found Capillaria eucoleus boehmi. She was given a dose of Intercepter through a shot. That was seven days ago. I have two questions: Is she contageous to my other two dogs? And how long before i should check another feces? My vet has not treated a dog with this. Thank
April 27, 2018
Mika's Owner
0 Recommendations
I don’t have specific data on the use of Interceptor (milbemycin oxime/praziquantel) but its use is similar to ivermectin which has shown favourable results within two weeks. I would recommend having another faecal test after two weeks, four week and then each month for a few months to be on the safe side along with regular administration of anthelmintics. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 28, 2018
Was this experience helpful?
Keima
Lab/Pit mix
16wks
Moderate severity
2 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Urinates White Worm (Possibly)
Hi! I have a pup that when she urinates a small white worms comes out. She's had a fecal test done, no parasites found. And has also been treated for tapeworms(2 weeks ago) Any idea what this might be? Any info helps! Thank you :)
July 26, 2017
Keima's Owner
2 Recommendations
It sounds like Keima may have Capillaria plica which is a small threadlike roundworm 15-60mm in length and white to yellow in colour; they normally stay in the bladder or upper urinary tract and most dogs are asymptomatic. Treatment using ivermectin is usually sufficient; after treatment take a urine sample for analysis at your Veterinarian’s office (note to other readers, ivermectin isn’t to be used in Collie breeds and isn’t approved for use in dogs). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
Thank you, I really appreciate your help!
July 26, 2017
Keima's Owner
Was this experience helpful?
Capillariasis Average Cost
From 151 quotes ranging from $150 - $350
Average Cost
$200
Related Health Articles
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
Security