Small Animal Ascarids (Roundworms)

Question 1

what is the common name for ascarids

Answer 1

roundworms

Question 2

where do adult ascarids like to live

Answer 2

small intestine of host

Question 3

describe an adult ascarid

Answer 3

3 prominent lips
thick,stout body
adults large, white

Question 4

true or false:
ascarids (roundworms) are clinically very important parasites

Answer 4

true

Question 5

describe the egg of ascarids

Answer 5

large
round
thick-shelled

Question 6

true or false:
eggs of ascarids are immediately infective

Answer 6

false
roundworm eggs are not immediately infective

Question 7

how long does it take for ascarid eggs to become infective

Answer 7

2-4 weeks to become infective

Question 8

true or false:
ascarid eggs are very resistant to environmental degradation

Answer 8

true

Question 9

true or false:
ascarid eggs are very easy to disinfect

Answer 9

false
ascarid eggs are very resistant to chemical disinfectants

Question 10

what are the means of transmission for small animal roundworms

Answer 10

-ingesting infective eggs (L3)
-ingesting paratenic host
-prenatal infections
-transmammary infections

Question 11

what species of roundworms can be transmitter through ingestion

Answer 11

all species

Question 12

which is the only species that can be transmitted through prenatal and transmammary infections

Answer 12

Toxacara canis

Question 13

true or false
you will mostly only see classical clinical presentations with severe infections of roundworms in puppies

Answer 13

true

Question 14

what are some clinical signs of a T. canis infection in a dog

Answer 14

mucoid diarrhea
pot-belly
painful abdomen
rough hair coat
fail to thrive

Question 15

what is mostly used to diagnose a T. canis infection

Answer 15

fecal float - mild clinical signs are not enough

Question 16

what type of migration is seen with T. canis in puppies

Answer 16

hepatotracheal (live-lung) migration

Question 17

in a dog older than 2 months of age, where would you likely see residing T. canis

Answer 17

somatic tissue (muscle)

Question 18

what is the most important route of infection of T. canis in a puppy

Answer 18

prenatal infections

Question 19

true or false:
most infections of T. canis in an adult dog is found in the intestines

Answer 19

false

Question 20

which age group of dogs is of most concern with T. canis

Answer 20

young dogs

Question 21

what is the prepatent period of T. canis eggs (infection)

Answer 21

3-4 weeks – shortest prepatent period of any ascarid

Question 22

how can you physically distinguish between T. canis and T. cati

Answer 22

T. cati has a more prominent lateral alae present

Question 23

true or false:
all cats regardless of age are susceptible to T. cati

Answer 23

true - there is no significant age-related immunity

Question 24

what is the most common route of transmission of T. cati

Answer 24

ingestion of paratenic host

Question 25

true or false: there are no prenatal infections when it comes to T. cati

Answer 25

true

Question 26

which species of Toxacaris has a smooth shell

Answer 26

T. leonina

Question 27

what is the main ascarid of raccoons / wildlife

Answer 27

B. procyonis

Question 28

what are the main concern / area of impact with B. procyonis

Answer 28

severe neurological disease

Question 29

true or false: Baylisacaris spp is zoonotic

Answer 29

true

Question 30

what is the most important life stage for ascarids for their pathogenesis

Answer 30

adult life

Question 31

true or false: because of large worm numbers in the intestines, the blockages created often lead to SI rupture and intussusception

Answer 31

false

Question 32

true or false: clinical signs will often appear when the liver is affected due to migration

Answer 32

false

Question 33

when it comes to the diagnosis of roundworms in puppies, what should you do?

Answer 33

assume all puppies are infected

Question 34

how should you handle the treatment of puppies with roundworms

Answer 34

treat 2 -4- 6- 8 weeks as well as treat the mom all broad spectrum anthelmintics are effective