Parasite Parachute

Editor's Note: We bugged Dr. Mike Paul, executive director of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) for his answers to five key questions about parasites, diagnostics and disease transmission. He delivered the answers in an exclusive Q/A.

DVM: If you had to quash one myth about parasites and disease transmission, what would it be?

A: The most common myth about parasites is: "My pet couldn't have worms!"

Too many pet owners and, unfortunately, too many veterinarians believe that parasites are only a problem regionally and primarily in puppies and kittens. While clearly there are regional differences, surveys prove that parasites are ubiquitous and can and do affect all ages of animals.

DVM: In your estimation, what is the most serious parasitic disease threat to dogs and cats?

A: While all parasites are of concern for me personally, I consider ascarids to be the most serious. Not only do they take a significant toll on our patients, they have potentially devastating consequences in humans, and children can be particularly at risk. Why is this so significant? Because they are so easily treated and controlled and the health risks to people are completely avoidable.

Heartworms, in particular, are a deadly parasite that, with currently available preventives is completely avoidable. Yet over a quarter million dogs are diagnosed every year.

DVM: How would you rate the state of client compliance to treatment of internal and external parasites?

A: We know it is very disappointing. Surveys indicate compliance is far below 50 percent of what veterinarians recommend. That doesn't take into account the fact that veterinarians don't always offer control products to clients. So client compliance is, in one word, miserable.

Unfortunately, the issue of compliance is rarely addressed. Veterinarians must institute proactive procedures in their practices to track and improve compliance. As is any treatment option, compliance is vital to success and to quality care.

DVM: What strategies could veterinarians use to improve compliance?

A: Veterinarians and their staffs can improve compliance by following established guidelines. Always offer optimum care and explain why it is important to adhere to a parasite management program. Clients want healthy pets and want to protect their families from parasites. They just don't always understand the implications and the options.

It is important that pet owners develop a mindset that compliance is essential if they are going to provide the best care to their pets. Follow-up reminder cards, phone reminders and e-mail reminders all can be effective in helping the client comply and in improving the health and safety of the pet and client's family.

DVM: Could you offer tips on improving the accuracy of fecal examinations?

A: It is recommended that fecal examinations be conducted using appropriate flotation solutions and that all fecal specimens be tested using centrifugation techniques rather than passive flotation procedures. Recovery of parasite products have been shown to be greatly enhanced in this way.

Even a properly performed fecal examination can be inaccurate if an inadequate sample is submitted. It is important that 2-4 grams of feces be submitted and that in watery samples this be increased to 6 grams.

There is no question these few simple steps will greatly enhance the accuracy of fecal examination.