Bladder Worm May 2026

Dogs and cats usually get infected by eating that carry the parasite larvae. Once swallowed, the larvae burrow through the intestinal wall, hitch a ride through the blood vessels, and eventually settle in the bladder to mature into adults. The Human Perspective

The term "bladder worm" is actually used to describe a few different things depending on who—or what—is infected. bladder worm

Usually refers to the Capillaria plica (or Pearsonema plica ), a thread-like nematode that lives in the bladder of dogs, cats, and foxes. Dogs and cats usually get infected by eating

For humans, the path is different. Infection usually happens through contact with . Small larvae released by freshwater snails can penetrate human skin during swimming or bathing. Once inside, they travel to the veins of the bladder to lay eggs. Signs and Symptoms: What to Watch For Usually refers to the Capillaria plica (or Pearsonema