AMTRA SA - Chapter 6 - Endoparasites

• What is the main topic of this chapter?

  Endoparasites of dogs and cats
• What should you understand about endoparasites of companion animals?

  • Lifecycle of roundworms and tapeworms
  • Infection methods and zoonotic potential
  • Heartworms D. immitis and A. vasorum
  • Lifecycle and transmission of hookworms and whipworms
  • Pharmaceutical treatments and risk factors
  • Corrective dietary precautions and hygiene measures
  • When to prescribe and treatment frequencies

  
• What are the major groups of helminths that can infect dogs and cats?

  Nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes
• What are the two categories of worms based on their location in the host?

  • Intestinal worms
  • Non-intestinal worms
• Name one type of intestinal worm.

  Ascarids (Toxocara spp.)
• What is a common non-intestinal worm in dogs?

  Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis)
• What factors affect the importance of endoparasites?

  • Prevalence
  • Pathogenicity for the host
  • Zoonotic potential
  • Combination of these factors
• What is the aim of the ESCCAP guideline?

  • Provide comprehensive information on worm control
  • Assist veterinarians, prescribers, and pet owners
  • Focus on important groups of companion animal worms
• What does ESCCAP stand for?

  European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites
• What are the emerging threats to endoparasites in Europe?

  • Increase in pet travel
  • Climatic changes affecting epidemiology
  • Introduction of rare diseases
  • Removal of border controls
• Why is Dirofilaria immitis significant in Europe?

  It is prevalent in Mediterranean regions
• What is the recommended deworming frequency for dogs and cats in areas endemic for Toxocara spp.?

  • At least four times a year
• What should be done if a specific worm infection is diagnosed?

  Appropriate treatment and preventive measures
• What are the three key parasite groups identified by ESCCAP?

  • Ascarids (Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina)
  • Echinococcus spp.
  • Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis, Angiostrongylus vasorum)
• What is the recommended treatment for dogs that may hunt small prey in areas endemic for Echinococcus multilocularis?

  Monthly treatment with effective products
• What is the treatment recommendation for dogs with access to offal in areas endemic for Echinococcus granulosus?

  Every 6 weeks with effective products
• What is the recommendation for Dirofilaria spp. in endemic areas?

  Monthly preventive or long-acting injectable
• What is the recommended deworming frequency for dogs and cats housed outside?

  At least four times a year

  
• What should responsible pet ownership include?

  • Regular health controls
  • Faecal diagnostics
  • Deworming
  • Regular testing for efficacy
• What is the minimum frequency for deworming if individual risk cannot be judged?

  At least 4 times a year
• What is the issue with deworming 1-3 times a year?

  It does not provide sufficient protection
• What is the lifecycle of Toxocara canis?

  1. Adult worms in the small intestine
  2. Eggs passed in faeces
  3. Eggs become infective after weeks
  4. Ingestion of infective eggs or undercooked meat
  5. Larvae hatch and migrate through the body
  6. Return to the small intestine to complete lifecycle

  
• How long can Toxocara spp. eggs survive in the environment?

  Years
• How can puppies become infected with Toxocara canis?

  Through placenta or milk from the mother
• What is the zoonotic potential of Toxocara spp.?

  Can cause serious health issues in humans
• When should puppies be treated with anthelmintics?

  From 14 days old, then monthly
• When should kittens start receiving anthelmintics?

  At 3 weeks of age, then monthly
• What are the treatment options for pregnant bitches to reduce transmission of Toxocara spp.?

  • Macrocyclic lactones on days 40 and 55 of pregnancy
  • Fenbendazole daily from day 40 to 2 days postpartum
• What is the length of Toxocara canis adults?

  Up to 15 cm
• What is the length of Toxocara cati adults?

  Up to 10 cm
• How can humans become infected with Toxocara spp.?

  By ingesting infective eggs or undercooked meat

  
• Why is it difficult to determine if an adult dog is infected with Toxocara spp.?

  Infections are unlikely to show clinical signs
• What is the significance of Toxocara spp. infections in dogs and cats?

  They merit consideration due to zoonotic potential

  
• What is the recommended treatment schedule for puppies infected with Toxocara canis?

  Fortnightly until two weeks after weaning
• What is the recommended treatment schedule for kittens infected with Toxocara cati?

  Fortnightly until two weeks after weaning
• What are the implications of prenatal infection in puppies?

  • Infection can occur via placenta
  • Can cause serious illness before diagnosis
• What is the treatment for pregnant bitches to reduce Toxocara transmission?

  Macrocyclic lactones or fenbendazole
• What is the significance of Toxocara spp. in terms of zoonotic diseases?

  They can cause serious health issues
• What is the role of regular faecal examinations?

  To determine if a dog is infected
• Why are Toxocara spp. prolific egg-layers significant?

  They can produce large numbers of eggs