Exam I - Capillaria spp.

Question 1

What is/are the final host(s) for Capillaria spp.

Answer 1

Dogs & cats

Question 2

Describe the appearance of Capillaria spp. adults

Answer 2

Adults are thin hair-like nematodes not visible to naked eye, 1-5 cm long. Narrow stichosome esophagus occupies half body length.

Question 3

Describe the appearance of Capillaria spp. eggs

Answer 3

Eggs resemble Trichuris in having bipolar plugs, but are more barrel-shaped, lighter in color and 60 X 35 um.

Question 4

You are presented with this image of Capillaria spp. eggs. How large would you expect them to be upon measurement?

Answer 4

~ 60 X 35 um

Question 5

Is the life cycle of Capillaria spp. direct or indirect?

Answer 5

Both direct & indirect

Question 6

What is the infective stage for Capillaria spp?

Answer 6

Infective stage is L₁ in egg

Question 7

A dog or cat comes into your clinic and you find Capillaria spp in the feces. Which organs do you expect to be affected by the Capillaria spp. in this dog or cat?

Answer 7

airways, intestinal tract, bladder

Question 8

Describe the life cycle of Capillaria spp affecting the airways.

Answer 8

Direct. Those in the airways are embedded in the mucosa of the trachea, bronchi and nasal passages. In dogs and cats. PPP is 6 wk.

Question 9

Describe the life cycle of Capillaria spp affecting the bladder.

Answer 9

Indirect and direct. There are species, which infect the bladder in dogs, rarely cats. This nematode can be direct or require an earthworm as intermediate host. PPP is 2 mo.

Question 10

Describe some clinical signs you may expect associated with Capillaria spp

Answer 10

asymptomatic

Question 11

Where would you, as a veterinarian, find Capillaria spp eggs?

Answer 11

Eggs will be noted in the feces, urine or a bronchial swab. Important to the veterinarian because eggs are recovered.