HELP - Strange looking worm in vomit

[mshifflett]

I just adopted a boxer from the local SPCA. He is about a year old and is in pretty good shape except for being a bit thin. This morning he threw up downstairs and there were two weird looking worms in his vomit. They were off-white, skinny and coiled up in a round cone-like shape. There was also pieces of apple that he had eaten about 16 hours before. He has been having problems gaining weight as well. Anyone have any idea what kind of worms these could be?

Thanks,
Marty

 

[axlsmom]

My guess would be round worms. I would take the worms and a stool sample to your vet to get the correct dewormer.

 

[Slobber Baby]

I don't know what kinds of worms but in my opinion you should get him to a vet soon. Was the apple digested at all? That is what would worry me.

 

[craZ4HERKIE]

I'm not sure what kind of worms they could be, unless they are roundworms, but I'm not sure what any of them look like except for tape worms. If your dog is having trouble gaining weight, and now has thrown up some worms, it sounds as if he may have an infestation. I would say a trip to the vet is in order, where they can do a fecal test and determine what type of parasite he has, and do a deworming treatment. I would NOT do an OTC dewormer, as they can be dangerous. Also, is he on any Heartworm preventitive? If not, you may want to look at that because not only do the ones like Interceptor and Heartgard prevent against heartworms....the also prevent whipworms, roundworms, etc. Once they have whipworms or hookworms, if they aren't on a preventitive, they can reinfest very easily, as they can continue cycling for up to 5yrs. Another way to prevent, is to clean poop from your yard almost daily. Still, the almost sure way to prevent parasites is preventitive and yard patrol. Good Luck!

 

[Jan]

You really do need to take him to the vet. Hopefully you still have the worms so that you can take them with you. You should take a stool sample as well. The treatment varies according to the type of worms.

Good luck!

 

[mshifflett]

Thanks for all of your quick responses. The pieces of apple were partially digested but not entirely. The more I research this the more it sounds like roundworms. I do not have the worm to take with me to the vet but i will take a stool sample. I need to take him to get started on heartworm preventative anyway this week. Is there anything else I should do prior to the vet appointment?