Reader Question: Whip Worms Treatment Needed

by Kellie Brown
(Fort Worth, Tx. USA)

Reader Question: My dog was diagnosed with whipworms and given fenbendazole by the doctor. He had lost 10 lbs. and had diarrhea. I had given him fenbendazole since then but not on a regular basis. Now he is 13 years old and has all the symptoms.

• Pacing all day mostly at night


• Straining to poop


• Poop that is that is slimy red dark sometimes light brown, sometimes normal depending on canned food which I started giving him because of loss of appetite


• Panting loudly every night after a meal


• Pooping while sleeping


• Still runs and jumps up on the couch when playing


• Always hungry but never gains weight


• Dry hair


• All bones showing no stomach


• Teeth swollen at bottom gums


• Bad breath


• Memory loss of who or where he is sometimes


• Stands in a position with bottom almost touching the ground while eating or when he's been up pacing or standing too long


• Won't rest or lay down until I go to sleep, howling when I leave the house for more than 2 hours

Can I put him on Panacur every three months until I have the money to get him to the doctor? He's on frontline plus every month no fleas but but is extruding and black feces always around anus.

Suggestion From Our Veterinarian

Hi Kellie,

The symptoms you describe could be caused by a severe case of whipworms but may also be associated with many other, very serious conditions. Even if “only” whipworms are to blame, I’m afraid that your dog’s condition is so grave that deworming him will not be the only form of treatment he needs if he is to survive.

Your dog must be seen by a veterinarian. Many clinics are willing to help you find financial help and/or accept payment plans. The Humane Society of the United States also maintains a list of national and state resources for pet owners in need on their website. If you simply cannot get your dog veterinary attention, the most humane option would be to surrender him to a shelter.

Regards,

Jennifer Coates, DVM