Anne M. Zajac, DVM, PhD, DACVM (parasitology)

Most parasitologic diagnoses are straightforward, but there are several situations where making diagnosis of parasitic infection or disease is more difficult and potentially confusing.

The challenging area of heartworm prevention and control has become even more challenging in the past few years as new information becomes available.

Giardia and Isospora spp coccidia are the protozoan parasites encountered most frequently in small animals.

Traditional livestock species are becoming more popular in suburban and semi-rural areas where small animal clients may own several acres of land and in municipalities that are becoming more lenient with restrictions on livestock and poultry.

In recent years, concern about the zoonotic potential of parasites encountered in small animal practice has risen substantially.

Ticks are increasing in importance in small animal practice because of their ability to cause irritation and tick paralysis and because they vector several diseases.