Which is the common name for canine roundworm?

Which is the common name for canine roundworm?

• A. Giardia
• B. Angiostrongylus
• C. Coccidia
• D. Toxocara canis

Answer: (D)

In veterinary parasitology, common names reflect familiar terms used for parasites. The dog roundworm is Toxocara canis, a nematode that lives in a dog’s intestines and sheds eggs in the feces. Those eggs become infective in the environment, and puppies are especially affected. Humans can inadvertently ingest the eggs and develop toxocariasis, which can affect the eyes or organs. The other listed organisms are different types of parasites (protozoa or other worms) and are not the canine roundworm, so they don’t fit the question.

In veterinary parasitology, common names reflect familiar terms used for parasites. The dog roundworm is Toxocara canis, a nematode that lives in a dog’s intestines and sheds eggs in the feces. Those eggs become infective in the environment, and puppies are especially affected. Humans can inadvertently ingest the eggs and develop toxocariasis, which can affect the eyes or organs. The other listed organisms are different types of parasites (protozoa or other worms) and are not the canine roundworm, so they don’t fit the question.