Severe whipworm infection in the dog

Abstract

Three dogs with trichuriosis were presented because of depression, anorexia and severe dehydration following a period of chronic diarrhoea, Systemic signs attributable to hypovolaemia and acid‐base and electrolyte disturbances resolved following intravenous fluid therapy, although diarrhoea persisted until appropriate anthelmintics were administered. Whipworm infection may sometimes give rise to a life‐threatening dehydration syndrome associated with hyponatremia, metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved