3. Parasitology Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is veterinary parasitology?
Studying the genesis and development of parasitises in animal hosts, as well as the taxonomy and systematics of parasites, including the morphology, life cycles and living needs of parasites in the environment and in animal hosts
What is ‘Protozoology’?
The study of protozoan with veterinary relevance
What is ‘Helminthology’?
The study of important Helminth parasites
What is ‘Entomology’?
The study of important arachnids, insects and crustaceans
Which diagnostic methods are used to identify parasites in animals?
- Coprological (examination of faeces to identify and count eggs.)
- Haematological (examining blood)
- Histopathological (examining tissue samples)
- Immunological (Identifying parasites by detecting the presences if
antigens on or with the parasite) - Molecular Biological (studying the DNA of parasites in order to identify it)
What is good practice for diagnostic laboratories?
The veterinary staff must maintain good communication to complete tests efficiently and provide optimal service to clients. The vets must be specific about which tests they are requesting. Protocols must be followed
What information must be submitted along with a sample?
- owners name
- species
- breed
- sex
- age
- animal identification
- clinical signs
- gross appearance of the lesions
- previous treatment?
- time of previous treatment
- morbidity/mortality in the group (flock/herd)
How do you package and send samples?
Suspected Zoonotic samples must clearly be labelled as such.
Samples must first be packaged in an appropriate primary container (sealed jar/bag/tube). Then placed in a secondary container wishing includes some sort of absorbent material. The secondary container is then placed in a tertiary container (box) with coolant packages as well as padding to protect the samples.
Describe flea development
Spend their adult lives feeding on blood of animals. Within 2 days females lay eggs which develop into larve at different rates depending on conditions- can be as rapid as 14 days
How do ticks invade animals?
Ticks. In the environment bite animals and suck the blood for several days. Their saliva has anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties aiding continuous feeding
What are Sarcoptes?
Infectious mite with zoonotic potential.
Contracted by direct or indirect contact with an infected dog or fox
What are Demodex?
Natural mite in the hair follicles of cats and dogs.
Demodox usually Cause no problem, however large amounts can lead to low immunity
What are Otodectes?
Ear mites.
Contracted by direct contact with an infected animal. Commonly found in young animals with clinical signs of head scratching, shaking. Ear mites can cause irritation in the base of a cats tail if they curl up when sleeping
Which ectoparasites are common in the rabbit?
- Maggot larvae (from flies attracted to wounds and moist fur)
- Psoroptes funiculi (rabbit ear mites)
- Sarcoptes scabiei and Demodox funiculi (mites causeing scabs, hair loss and excessive scratching)
- Cheyletiella (dandruff contracted directly from an infected animal, zoonotic)
- Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic disease (can be transmitted by fleas)
Which ectoparasites affect horses?
Flies- can bite and lay secretions around the horses eyes, mouth and nose, carrying diseases which can then be spread within a herd.
Sweet- itch is caused by a reaction to the saliva of midges causing horses to itch.
Culicoides midges- horses are allergic to their saliva
Lice- spread through direct and indirect contact
Which ectoparasites affect cattle?
Pests often bite during grazing and depending on the age, breed, health and nutritional status of the individual, can cause sever disease or just mild irritation
Which ectoparasites can affect cattle and sheep?
Lice and mites- commonly seen in the winter, anemia as clinical sign
Ticks- cause bacterial, viral and protozoan infections
Flies- can cause fly strike and carry other diseases
