Parasitology

There are 34 species of Cuterebra in North America.

Metastrongyloid nematodes are characterized by having life cycles that typically require an intermediated molluscan host for the development of the third-stage larvæ that are infective to vertebrates; however, two of the species in the dog are unusual in having direct life cycles.

These two worms are probably the most common parasites of the dog throughout most of its range around the world.

Dogs and cats are the only domestic animals that still routinely reside in the same domicile as their owners around the world. Thus, it is important to know if the parasites they harbor are zoonotic agents or not.

Parasites are major causes of respiratory tract disease in the dog and cat. Recent advances in therapy of these diseases have been made providing the practicing veterinarian with a more rational treatment modality.

It is hard to comprehend why year-round heartworm control is such a difficult idea to sell to practitioners or clients.

Filarial nematode infection of dogs and cats – Dirofilaria immitis – adults (female worms up to 30 cm in length) live in pulmonary arteries causing respiratory, cardiac, and in some cases, renal disease.

These tick-borne diseases of dogs and cats cause vasculitis leading to multisystemic dysfunction often characterized by thrombocytopenia and hyperglobulinemia.

There are a number of diseases that dogs and cats acquire from wildlife. Some are acquired through vectors while some are acquired by ingestion.

With zoonotic disease on the risk, just over a third of DVMs suspect it has struck close to home.

Thanks to the development of certain broad-spectrum parasiticides, practitioners can now treat tapeworms on a monthly basis, sparing clients the nasty surprise of discovering segments on their dogs.

Scope out this sample form.

Use this form to educate clients about your wellness schedule for dogs.

How can I convince clients to purchase parasite products from our practice?

Educate clients about the health risks parasites pose with this client education handout.

The number of heartworm cases continues to climb in parts of the United States.

The CAPC provides its complete practice protocols on line free of charge.

Test your knowledge of ticks and tick-borne diseases with this short quiz.

Q. Why should I test for heartworm infection in cats?

We keep fecal containers marked with prepaid labels on hand.

To encourage clients to purchase heartworm tests and preventives, we placed posters throughout the clinic that list the price of a heartworm test, the price range of heartworm preventives, and the price of heartworm treatment if a pet becomes infected.

Staff meetings can be educational and fun if presented as a game show.

Why do fleas sometimes persist in an environment even when you think you and your client are doing everything right?

A convenient way to dispense single tubes of flea preventives is to separate the foil packets and insert them into paper pill envelopes.

More frequent and better fecal tests and reminders help clients keep pets parasite free.