Parasites Flashcards
What are the three main groups of parasites
1) Protozoa
2) Helminths - worms - endoparasites
3) Arthropods - bugs - ectoparasites
What are parasites
Organisms that require another organism (host) to complete its life cycle
Benefits by deriving nutrients at hosts expense
Why is it useful to classify parasites in close related groups
To predict life cycles Treatments Clinical signs Hosts Zoonotic potential
Protozoa
Single celled
Microscopic
Live/feed off animal and can make them sick
Ingesting contaminated food/water
Diarrhea, vomiting, weight-loss, dehydration , mucus in feces
Can spread to humans
Coccidiosis Protozoa Explanation and Symptoms
Coccidia
Usually kittens/weak animals
Consuming infected feces or prey animals
May show no symptoms
Coccidia triggers and treatment
Unsanitary environment
Usually clears up on its own
Not usually a treatment
Giardiasis Protozoa
Giardia
Small intestine infection, many species
Feces to mouth transition- eggs appear in feces
Diagnosis of Giardia
Physical Exam
Fecal flotation
Fecal smear
Fecal snap test
Giardia Treatment and Prevention
Vaccines in some areas
Drugs that fight off protozoan infection
Dietary changes
Disinfect everything, always clean up poop
Call vet if it doesn’t improve
Toxoplasma protozoa
Affect both dog and owner
Spread through feces, under cooked meat
Invades lining of stomach/lower intestine
Can be fatal to young dogs, old can usually fight on their own
Toxoplasma symptoms
V/D Tremors SOB Fever Lethargy, anorexia
Acute toxoplasma
Cat feces
Raw, under cooked meat
Samples of blood, fecal and spinal fluid
Acute toxoplasma treatment
Sufadiazine
Pyrimethamine
Both medications suppress parasite but ultimately the body fights it on its own
Treatments for chronic and fetal toxoplasma
None
IV fluids
Baby stillborn and chronic can usually be fought off by dog
Chronic toxoplasma
Retain pockets of infection
Not usually a risk
