Classification:
Phylum: Platyhelminthes
Class: Cestoda
Scientific Name: Taenia pisiformis
Common Name: Tapeworm
Class: Cestoda
Scientific Name: Taenia pisiformis
Common Name: Tapeworm
General Characteristics:
The tapeworm is an internal flat-worm parasite that infect canines as a definitive host and rabbits/hares as intermediate hosts. The life cycle of the tapeworm begins when a rabbit ingests an egg. The egg hatches in the small intestine of the rabbit and the larval life-form of the tapeworm burrows through the intestinal wall towards the liver via teh blood supply. Once inside liver, the larvae develops for 2-4 weeks before attaching to the viscera of the rabbit. If the infected rabbit is consumed by a canine, the tapeworm attaches to the wall of the small intestine where it developes proglottids containing eggs. Proglottids are then detached from the worm and passed out through the feces of the canine.
Habitat:
Tapeworms are found world-wide wherever both the intermediate hosts and definitive hosts are present.
Importance to Humans:
Tapeworm infestation is fairly common in pet dogs possessed by humans. When diagnosed by a veterinarian, dogs can be treated successfully to remove the parasites through several methods.
Sources:
"Taenia pisiformis Homepage". University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved from: http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/projects/dxendopar/parasitepages/cestodes/t_pisiformis.html