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Why is my dog throwing up red worms, losing weight, and bruising?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Great Dane | Male | neutered | 4 years and 4 months old | 105 lbs

Hi my dog had been seen throwing up tiny red worms , he lost a lot of weight about 20kg down he is not eating well and began to get these weird bruises in his hed like little holes on his head please can you tell me what to do

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 19, 2017

It sounds like Ninja may be vomiting Spirocerca lupi, which is an intestinal worm that is becoming more prevalent in South Africa. Dogs are infected with this by eating infected dung beetles, feces, rats, or birds. This worm is bright red in color, and it forms tumors in the body, often in the esophagus, making it difficult for the dog to eat and drink. That would explain why Ninja has lost a lot of weight. You will need Milbemas or Advocate spot-on to treat it, and you can get that from the vet. I would have Ninja seen by the vet immediately, it's quite serious he's lost that much weight, and these bruises on head could be a sign of bleeding disorder. Please take him into a vet immediately.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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