Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

What is the primary characteristic of whipworms?

1. They are found in blood.

2. They primarily affect the heart.

3. They are ingested through the soil.

4. They are transmitted through fleas.

The correct answer is: They are ingested through the soil.

Whipworms, specifically Trichuris vulpis in dogs, are primarily characterized by their mode of transmission, which is through ingestion. These parasites typically lay their eggs in the environment, particularly in soil contaminated with feces from infected animals. When a dog ingests the eggs from contaminated soil, the larvae hatch in the intestines, where they attach to the intestinal wall and can cause significant gastrointestinal issues. This life cycle is crucial to understanding whipworms, as they do not require a vector, such as fleas or a direct blood transmission, which distinguishes them from other parasites. By recognizing the important role of ingestion through contaminated soil, one can better understand how to prevent whipworm infections in dogs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good hygiene and regular fecal examinations in pets.