Taeniid eggs in a dog's faecal flotation: what they imply
Faecal flotation from a hunting dog shows spherical eggs of about 30–40 µm, with a thick radially striated shell and an embryo bearing three pairs of hooks.
Which statement is correct?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. They are Dipylidium caninum eggs and treating the fleas is enough
Dipylidium eggs occur grouped in egg packets containing several eggs and lack that thick striated shell.
B. Their morphology confirms Taenia and rules out Echinococcus
Taenia and Echinococcus eggs are indistinguishable under the microscope; telling them apart requires coproantigen testing or PCR.
C. They are Toxocara canis eggs and the risk to people appears after weeks of maturation
Toxocara eggs are larger, with a pitted shell, and are not embryonated when passed. Those described are taeniid eggs.
D. Taenia and Echinococcus have identical eggs: treat with praziquantel and handle the faeces as potentially zoonotic
Correct. Until Echinococcus is ruled out (PCR or coproantigen), act as if it were present: praziquantel, handling faeces with gloves, safe removal and disposal, and hand hygiene. Consider bathing the dog after treatment to remove eggs from the coat.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Taeniid eggs (Taenia and Echinococcus) are embryonated, with a radially striated shell and a six-hooked oncosphere, and are infective as soon as they are passed. They cannot be differentiated by microscopy. In a dog with access to offal, always treat them as possible Echinococcus.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.