Veterinarian warns against seemingly harmless activity with your dog — after massive parasite was found in woman's pelvis
Doctors discovered a cyst twice the size of a tennis ball in the pelvis of a pregnant woman who was rushed to the hospital following months of abdominal pain.
3 One veterinarian has issued a warning over a habit treasured by dog owners over fear of tapeworm infection.
Ben Ali et al., Open Journal of Clinical & Medical Case Reports
They successfully saved the 26-year-old woman — who was 20 weeks pregnant — before running scans that revealed it was a hydatid cyst, a growth formed by a tapeworm infection that humans most commonly get from interacting with dog poop.
While the case study did not specify what caused the cyst, one veterinarian is letting dog owners know a possible culprit could lie in a treasured activity: letting a dog lick your face.
'Ideally, dogs should not lick faces, especially around the mouth or eyes, as a matter of health,' Dr. Aimee Warner, a resident veterinarian at pet insurance company Waggel, told the Daily Mail.
'Humans are not infected by the adult tapeworms within the dog, but instead ingest Echinococcus eggs passed in dog feces by accident. If a dog has fecal soiling on its mouth or coat and then licks someone, there is a potential — albeit rare — for transmission.'
To avoid contracting the disease, Warner recommends keeping your dog away from raw meat and livestock, getting the pooch dewormed regularly and maintaining good personal hygiene.
3 'Good pet ownership can be the difference in preventing risks,' she said.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
'Good pet ownership can be the difference in preventing risks,' she said.
The female patient was from Tunisia, where the researchers note that the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm is 'very common.'
This parasite can lead to severe liver damage in humans and is increasingly being reported in parts of Europe, Canada and the US.
3 To avoid contracting the disease, Warner recommends keeping your dog away from raw meat and livestock, getting the pooch dewormed regularly and maintaining good personal hygiene.
Getty Images
While rare, cases are reported annually in states like Arizona, New Mexico, California and Utah — and are more prevalent in rural areas, particularly those with dogs and sheep.
In 2018, a 35-year-old woman complaining of tingling in her feet was found to have a tapeworm lodged in her spine.
In 2020, doctors were stunned to discover that a woman's bulging eyes were caused by a cyst that was filled with baby tapeworms.
And in 2024, a New York mother discovered her persistent seizures had been caused by tapeworm eggs in her brain.
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What Is a Hernia? Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
Hernias typically result from muscle weakness and strain. Depending on the severity, doctors may suggest watchful waiting or surgery to repair the hernia. A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For example, the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Many hernias occur in the abdomen between your chest and hips, but can also appear in the upper thigh and groin areas. Most hernias aren't immediately life threatening, but they don't go away on their own. Sometimes they can require surgery to prevent dangerous complications. Types of hernia There are several different types of hernias. Keep reading to learn some of the most common types. Inguinal hernia Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. They occur when the intestines push through a weak spot or tear in the lower abdominal wall, often in the inguinal canal. The inguinal canal is located in your groin. 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Depending on its cause, a hernia can develop quickly or slowly over time. Common causes of muscle weakness or strain that can lead to a hernia include: a congenital condition, which occurs during development in the womb and is present from birth aging damage from an injury or surgery strenuous exercise or lifting heavy weights chronic coughing or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) pregnancy, especially having multiple pregnancies constipation, which causes you to strain when having a bowel movement being overweight or having obesity ascites, which can develop if the liver stops working as it should Certain risk factors make you more likely to develop a hernia. They include: being born prematurely or having a low birth weight being over 50 chronic cough (likely due to the repetitive increase in abdominal pressure) cystic fibrosis pregnancy chronic constipation being overweight or having obesity smoking, which leads to the weakening of connective tissue a personal or family history of hernias Hernia diagnosis To diagnose your condition, a doctor will first perform a physical examination. During this examination, the doctor may feel for a bulge in your abdominal or groin area that gets larger when you stand, cough, or strain. Your doctor will then take your medical history. They may ask you a variety of questions, including: When did you first notice the bulge? Have you experienced any other symptoms? Do you think something in particular may have caused it to occur? Tell me a little bit about your lifestyle. Does your occupation involve heavy lifting? Do you exercise rigorously? Do you lift weights professionally or recreationally? Do you have a history of smoking? Do you have a personal or family history of hernias? Have you had any surgeries in your abdominal or groin area? Your doctor will also likely use imaging tests to aid in their diagnosis. These can include: Abdominal ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the structures inside the body. Abdominal CT scan: An abdominal CT scan combines X-rays with computer technology to produce an image. Abdominal MRI scan: An abdominal MRI scan uses a combination of strong magnets and radio waves to create an image. If your doctor suspects a hiatal hernia, they may use other tests that allow them to assess the inside of your stomach: X-rays of your digestive tract: A healthcare professional will have you drink a liquid containing diatrizoate meglumine/diatrizoate sodium (Gastrografin) or a liquid barium solution (barium swallow). These liquids help your digestive tract appear highlighted on X-ray images. Endoscopy: During an endoscopy, a healthcare professional threads a small camera attached to a tube down your throat and into your esophagus and stomach. Hernia treatment The only way to effectively treat a hernia is through surgical repair. However, some people may not require surgery for treatment. Whether or not you need surgery depends on the size of your hernia and the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor may want to monitor your hernia for possible complications. This approach is called watchful waiting. In some cases, wearing a truss, a supportive undergarment that helps to hold the hernia in place, may help to ease the symptoms of a hernia. Always see your doctor to ensure a truss fits properly before using it. If you have a hiatal hernia, over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications that reduce stomach acid can relieve your discomfort and improve symptoms. These include: Home remedies for hernia Home remedies won't cure a hernia, but you can take steps to help ease your symptoms. Increasing your fiber intake may help relieve constipation. Constipation can cause straining during bowel movements, which can aggravate a hernia. High fiber foods include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Dietary changes can also help with the symptoms of a hiatal hernia. Some things that may help include: avoiding large or heavy meals not lying down or bending over after a meal maintaining a moderate body weight avoiding foods that may cause acid reflux, such as spicy foods and tomato-based foods. Additionally, if you smoke, giving up cigarettes may also help. Hernia exercises Exercise may work to strengthen muscles around the hernia and promote weight loss, helping reduce some symptoms. A 2024 study investigated the effects of an exercise program on people undergoing hernia repair surgery. The people who completed the exercise program had fewer complications following surgery. Remember that some types of exercise, such as weightlifting or exercises that strain the abdomen, may increase pressure in the area of the hernia, which may cause the hernia to bulge more. The same is true for exercises that are done improperly. If you have a hernia, discussing exercise with a doctor or physical therapist is best. They can work closely with you to let you know which exercises are best for you and how to exercise safely with a hernia. Hernia repair surgery If your hernia is growing or causing pain, a surgeon may decide it's best to operate. If the hernia causes an extra hole in your abdominal wall, your surgeon may repair it by sewing the hole closed during surgery. This is commonly done by patching the hole with surgical mesh. Sometimes, a hernia results in one of the body's passageways opening even wider than it should. This can occur in the space where the esophagus is meant to pass through the diaphragm. In these cases, surgery can be performed to tighten the opening. Doctors can repair hernias with either open or laparoscopic surgery, depending on your specific circumstances. Open surgery for hernias During open surgery, the surgeon makes an incision close to the site of the hernia and then pushes the bulging tissue back into the abdomen. They then sew the area shut, sometimes reinforcing it with surgical mesh. Finally, they close the incision. Laparoscopic surgery for hernias Laparoscopic surgery uses a tiny camera and miniaturized surgical equipment to repair the hernia. It only requires a few small incisions and is less damaging to the surrounding tissue. Not all hernias are suitable for laparoscopic surgery. If your hernia requires an open surgical repair, your surgeon will work with you to determine which technique is best for your condition. Recovery from surgery After your surgery, you may experience pain around the surgical site. A surgeon typically prescribes medication to help ease this discomfort while you recover. Be sure to carefully follow your surgeon's instructions involving wound care and contact them promptly if you notice any symptoms of infection, such as: fever discoloration or drainage at the site pain that suddenly worsens Following hernia repair, you may be unable to move around normally for several weeks. You'll need to avoid any strenuous activity. Additionally, you should avoid lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) during this period. This is slightly more than the weight of a gallon of milk. Your surgeon can tell you how long you should follow lift restrictions. They may recommend a gradual return to activity. Open surgery often requires a longer recovery process than laparoscopic surgery. Your surgeon will let you know when you can return to your typical routine. Hernia recovery It's important to recognize the symptoms of a hernia and to see a doctor if you suspect that you have one. An untreated hernia won't go away by itself, and sometimes, hernias can cause complications that are life threatening. A doctor can assess your hernia and determine the best treatment option. Early medical care and lifestyle changes can minimize symptoms. However, surgery is the only way to resolve a hernia. There are different types of hernia repair surgeries, and a surgeon can advise on which is right for your condition. The outlook for people who undergo hernia repair surgery is generally very good. However, it can depend on the nature of the hernia, your symptoms, and your overall health. In some cases, the hernia may recur after repair surgery. Hernia in babies Between 10 and 25% of babies are born with an umbilical hernia. This type of hernia is also more common in babies who are born prematurely or with a low birth weight. Umbilical hernias occur near the belly button. They form when the muscles surrounding the hole left by the umbilical cord don't close properly. This causes a portion of the intestine to bulge out. If your child has an umbilical hernia, you may notice it more when crying or coughing. Umbilical hernias in children are typically painless. However, some symptoms need emergency medical attention. These include: pain vomiting swelling at the hernia site It's best to talk with your child's pediatrician if you notice they have an umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernias typically disappear when a child is 1 or 2 years old. If they don't disappear by age 5, doctors may recommend surgery to repair them. Pregnancy and hernia If you're pregnant and think that you have a hernia, be sure to talk with a doctor. They can evaluate it and determine if it poses any health risks. Often, hernia repair can wait until after delivery. If a small hernia that's present before or during the pregnancy begins to get larger or cause discomfort, a doctor may recommend surgery to repair it. Experts generally recommend having this surgery during the second trimester. Hernias repaired in the past may return with later pregnancies. This is because pregnancy strains abdominal muscle tissue that may have been weakened by surgery. Hernias can also occur following a cesarean delivery (C-section). During a cesarean delivery, a doctor makes an incision into the abdomen and uterus. The baby is then delivered through these incisions. An incisional hernia can sometimes occur at the site of a cesarean delivery. Hernia complications Sometimes an untreated hernia can lead to potentially serious complications. Your hernia may grow and cause more symptoms. It may also put too much pressure on nearby tissues, which can cause swelling and pain in the surrounding area. Bowel obstruction A portion of your intestine could also become trapped in the abdominal wall. This is called incarceration. Incarceration can obstruct your bowel and cause severe pain, nausea, or constipation. A bowel obstruction can become life threatening and requires immediate medical care. Hernia strangulation If the trapped section of your intestines doesn't get enough blood flow, strangulation occurs. This can cause the intestinal tissue to become infected or die. A strangulated hernia is life threatening and requires immediate medical care. Hernia prevention You can't always prevent a hernia from developing. Sometimes a hernia occurs because of an existing inherited condition or a previous surgery. However, you can make some simple lifestyle adjustments to help lower your risk of a hernia. These steps aim to reduce the strain on your body. Here are a few general prevention tips: Avoid lifting weights that are too heavy for you. If you must lift something heavy, bend at your knees, not your waist or back. Also, avoid holding your breath when lifting heavy objects. Instead, exhale during the lift to decrease the chance of a hiatal hernia developing or worsening. Perform exercises that help to strengthen the muscles of your abdomen. Get medicare care when you're sick to avoid developing a persistent cough. Maintain a moderate body weight. Try not to strain while having a bowel movement or during urination. Eat enough high fiber foods to prevent constipation. If you smoke, consider quitting. You can work with your doctor to create a smoking cessation plan that's right for you. The bottom line A hernia develops when an organ, like an intestine, pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. There are many types of hernias. Hernias typically cause a visible bulge in the abdomen that's more visible when standing. Some people may also develop additional symptoms, such as acid reflux, depending on the type of hernia they have. There is no way to resolve a hernia without surgery. However, surgery isn't always needed, especially for mild hernias. A doctor may instead recommend watchful waiting, which involves monitoring the hernia and only treating it with surgery if it worsens.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
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How I Learned to Love My Body—Especially in the Summer
Credit - Photo-Illustration by TIME (Source Images: Denise Berkhalter—Getty Images, Petra Malaeru via Canva; Iuliia Burmistrova—Getty Images) There is a day we New Yorkers quietly celebrate, that we don't have a name the morning when I can feel the earth peel back her blanket and stretch out for the first time in months. For once, she doesn't have to reach for a sweater to throw over her nightgown; she might even step outside to greet the day.I do the same, stepping outside to bask in the symphony of new sounds: the silly flap of sandals against the pavement, the no‑nonsense buzz of a bee hard at work, the crunch of a bunny snacking on wildflowers. No, that's me getting carried away; there are no bunnies in my industrial part of it is the first kiss of summer. If you live in bear country and not Brooklyn, the warm months are signaled not with sundress debuts and iced coffee orders, but with the grumbles and growls of furry beasts who have emerged from isn't sleep. It's a mastery of evolution, a collection of advanced adaptations and seemingly miraculous physiological strategies that allow so many critters to burrow underground for months without food or water and still look like their fuzzy, glorious selves as they totter out of their dens. After a hearty shake, the animals are rested and ready for action, with healthy, shiny fur coats at however wondrous and exotic the ritual seems, hibernation is a challenging concept when you really get to thinking about it: What if humans were just as in tune with our bodies? Would it work out for us? What if we followed our bodily cues as attentively as bears and other animals do?It took me a long time to learn I am a body. In a society that splits the mind as separate from the body, I question my own desires and needs as they arise. I even distrust them, commanding them to keep quiet so I can function normally in this culture that has so many ways to hide bodily requirements. In most of contemporary society, we are practically forced to disembody if we want to have any chance at fitting in, keeping a job, getting accepted, even being seen as fully human. It is so outrageous (yet somehow normal) that grocery stores sell 'hunger-reducing' gum and Ozempic is easily accessible so that our bodies can't tell us when to eat, and absurd that we follow a labor schedule that was created for machines, and so upsetting that things like periods and panic attacks are seen as pesky hindrances to be hidden and worked through rather than honored with rest and More: How To Use Your Body To Make Yourself Happier Something I love about animals is that you never have to tell an animal 'Be yourself.' They know no other way to be. Animals go to the bathroom, reject unwanted affection, gobble food, sleep for hours, and bite their toenails without a moment of hesitation or a shameful glance around to see if anyone's looking. The messages between their fuzzy bodies and their brains don't go through any filtering system. Thought and action are practically one and the same: Hungry! Eat; Tired! Rest; Curious! have mastered embodiment, the experience of being a body rather than having a body. They don't separate their physical self as an unruly object to control, argue with, be proud of, or for a long time, we humans were the same way. That is, until Plato came along and decided that body and mind were two different entities. His coping mechanism to escape the grind of Ancient Greece was to call the mind the 'true self,' whereas a body was just a sloppy vessel to carry it around. While bodies were used and hurt by others, and, let's face it, were kind of embarrassing, the mind was pure and could attain an interesting idea, but it's gotten us into all kinds of trouble throughout history. Disembodiment, which denies any inherent preciousness of the body, has been used in service to humanity's most egregious sins, from slavery to eugenics. If you can separate a body from a person, you're more likely to accept the use of that body as an object. It now means that we endure the legacy of disembodiment as an accepted concept. Take swimsuit season. As far as we've come from the SlimFast lunches and cabbage soup diet of the early 2000s, a lot of us still have diet culture leftovers lingering around in our minds when it comes to public displays of body appearance—especially their annual debuts in the summer. I used to feel nothing but dread when I'd realize while packing my beach bag that I'd forgotten to get those abs I meant to get over the winter, or that last night's dinner party with friends was showing up in some extra tummy bloat. I treated my rolls and squishy parts like they were evidence of my failures—a visible symbol that I lacked the saintly discipline that I've envied in other girls since middle school. But bodies are living things who are entitled to change, strengthen, soften, expand, and spill out as evidence of a life lived—not a life restricted. A dinner party with friends is one of my greatest pleasures, and I didn't get around to those abs in winter because I was too busy enjoying time for needed and delicious rest. If I'm a little flabbier for naturally responding to my joys and environment, so be it. Plunging into a swimming pool is another one of my greatest pleasures, and we all deserve to feel the unselfconscious glory of being a body in water on a hot day. I quit blaming myself for my body's naturalness when I learned to love life—not just my life, but the existence of any life on earth. The more I appreciated living things and their living-thing-ness, the more merciful I was toward myself. Subsequently, I learned to love signs of life: eye wrinkles, rolls of fat, chubby cheeks, jiggly arms, laugh lines, stretch marks, cellulite dimples, and colorful signs of vitality, age, changes, growth, and aliveness.I smile when I think about bears who never have to learn any of this. They eat when they're hungry, wander when they're restless, and sleep when they're tired. Somehow, after months in a comfy cave, they witness summer as the rest of us do: with energy and renewal. And it's because they never questioned what their bodies needed. When I catch myself questioning my needs, or scrutinizing my physical appearance, I remember what my soul experiences as a body: smelling the clothes of people I love, hearing cumbia music, applying blush, swimming in a cold lake, trying to stifle a laugh when it's not appropriate to laugh, carrying an ice cream cone, first time I realized all that was the first time I really felt at home here, in my body. I know what it's like to hate this home, and I know what it's like to love being in it. I know what it's like to feel my body as a brutalist office building made of concrete walls and right angles, restrictions and doors where I didn't know the entrance code. And I know what it's like to be in my body as a cozy cabin on a I splash around a pool, more attentive to my soul's elation than to the shape of my being in a bathing suit, I feel in touch with my human animal self, who experiences all the joys on earth through this natural, ever-changing body. From HOW TO BE A LIVING THING by Mari Andrew, published by Penguin Life, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright © 2025 by Mari Andrew. Contact us at letters@
