Worms #2.

Roundworms - Ascaris
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These are some of the critters commonly found in dog FECES. (That word should make HP feel more comfortable). Remember, 20 - 30 cm is about 8 - 12 inches.
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Causal Agent: Ascaris lumbricoides is the largest nematode (roundworm) parasitizing the human intestine. (Adult females: 20 to 35 cm; adult male: 15 to 30 cm.)

Life Cycle: Adult worms [1] live in the lumen of the small intestine. A female may produce approximately 200,000 eggs per day, which are passed with the feces [2] . Unfertilized eggs may be ingested but are not infective. Fertile eggs embryonate and become infective after 18 days to several weeks [3] , depending on the environmental conditions (optimum: moist, warm, shaded soil). After infective eggs are swallowed [4] , the larvae hatch [5] , invade the intestinal mucosa, and are carried via the portal, then systemic circulation to the lungs [6] . The larvae mature further in the lungs (10 to 14 days), penetrate the alveolar walls, ascend the bronchial tree to the throat, and are swallowed [7] . Upon reaching the small intestine, they develop into adult worms [1] . Between 2 and 3 months are required from ingestion of the infective eggs to oviposition by the adult female. Adult worms can live 1 to 2 years.

Geographic Distribution: The most common human helminthic infection. Worldwide distribution. Highest prevalence in tropical and subtropical regions, and areas with inadequate sanitation. Occurs in rural areas of the southeastern United States.(Above courtesy of Centers for Disease Control)

Note from the above -- when in doubt, it is safer to spit than to swallow.

Gruesome Photos: Too gruesome. I won't post them here, but you can see them at :

http://curezone.com/image_gallery/parasites/infected/default.asp?i=0&n=15

and

http://curezone.com/image_gallery/parasites/infected/default.asp?i=15&n=15

Complications : Complications related to typical ascariasis are rare. However, potentially dangerous complications can develop if you have a heavy infestation.

• Nutritional deficiencies. Children with ascariasis are especially at risk of nutritional deficiencies. Loss of appetite and insufficient absorption of digested foods can occur as a large number of parasites take nourishment from the host's body.
  
• Intestinal blockage and perforation. In heavy ascariasis infestation, a mass of worms can block a portion of the intestine, causing severe abdominal cramping and vomiting. The blockage can even perforate the intestinal wall or appendix, causing hemorrhage or appendicitis.
  
• Allergic reactions. Some people develop allergic reactions to the ascaris worm's metabolic excretions and secretions, or to dead and dying worms. These reactions can cause signs and symptoms such as asthma, insomnia, eye pain and rashes.

(Courtesy of MayoClinic.com)