Ollulanus tricuspis is a small worm, ≤1 mm long, that infects several animal species, typically cats and other felids, and occasionally induces a mild erosive or catarrhal gastritis. Vomiting minutes to a few hours after eating is a common sign. The female worms are viviparous, so massive infections can build up endogenously. Transmission is via vomitus. Diagnosis is by microscopic demonstration of larvae (~500 μm) or adult worms in vomitus or stomach contents. The use of a Baermann apparatus enables the separation of the worms from ingesta, after which they are easier to observe. Parasites are rarely seen in feces, because they are usually digested before being passed. Therapeutic efficacy in cats has been demonstrated with fenbendazole (20–50 mg/kg/day, PO, for 3 days) and levamisole (5 mg/kg, SC, once), although these are not approved treatments.
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Gastrointestinal Parasites of Small Animals
