Veterinarians are raising alarms among pet owners following the case of a 26-year-old pregnant woman who developed a large parasitic cyst in her abdomen, likely due to exposure from a dog. This woman, who was 20 weeks pregnant at the time, had experienced months of abdominal pain before doctors found a cyst that was twice the size of a tennis ball nestled in her pelvis.
She underwent emergency surgery, which thankfully saved both her and her baby just before the cyst burst and released toxic material.
Testing confirmed that the growth was a hydatid cyst, a rare but potentially lethal condition linked to a tapeworm typically found in the feces or saliva of infected dogs.
Although this type of parasite is uncommon in the U.S., it can be transmitted to humans when they inadvertently ingest eggs from contaminated feces or from a dog’s licking.
Dr. Aimee Warner, a veterinarian from the pet insurance company Waggel, is warning pet owners about the risks. She mentioned that ideally, dogs should refrain from licking humans, especially around the face and eyes, as a health precaution.
The unidentified woman’s case was reported in the Open Journal of Clinical & Medical Case Reports. The doctors noted she came from a rural area in Tunisia, which is known for a high prevalence of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus.
While typically found in dog feces, the specific manner in which she contracted the infection remains unclear. Dr. Warner explained that this parasite isn’t commonly observed in pet dogs in urban settings, but is more likely found in regions with livestock, where dogs may consume the organs of infected animals containing the larvae.
Once ingested, the parasite matures into a tapeworm within the dog, and its eggs are subsequently passed in the stool, which poses a risk of human exposure.
Humans don’t get infected by the adult tapeworm, but rather develop hydatidosis after ingesting the eggs. Dr. Warner highlighted that it’s rare for transmission to occur but can happen if a dog licks someone after having fecal matter on its mouth or coat.
Treatment for infected dogs usually involves administering a dewormer, while managing hydatidosis in humans is more complex, often necessitating surgery and antiparasitic medications.
To minimize the risk of contracting the parasite, Dr. Warner advises good personal hygiene, ensuring dogs avoid raw meat or livestock, and regular deworming for pets. Proper pet ownership practices can significantly reduce risks, she emphasized.
