Parasitology

The cat is considered a resistant, yet susceptible host for Dirofilaria immitis. Worm burdens are much lower in cats than in dogs (average 15 worms in dogs and 1-3 in cats in endemic areas) and about 1/3 of feline infections involve worms of the same sex. Feline heartworm (HW) was first described in the 1920s; awareness has increased greatly since the introduction of Heartgard for cats in 1997 and the associated marketing campaign. Feline HW remains a difficult to diagnose, yet fully preventable disease.

Many veterinary practices are worried about parasite product sales slipping, thanks to some products going over the counter. So, is this a good thing or a bad thing? Depends on who you ask.

St. Joseph, Mo. -- Boehringer Ingelheim introduced its new canine Lyme disease vaccine to the veterinary market today during a live webcast.

Dr. Kevin Kazacos discusses what zoonotic diseases children can contract from wild rabbit feces and urine.

Your clients trust your expertise, so show them why they should buy flea-and-tick products from your practice.

Portland, Ore. - New surveillance data compiled by experts at Banfield, The Pet Hospital reveal prevalence trends for internal and external parasite infections and hammer home the need for veterinarians to remain vigilant about promoting preventive care to clients.

Use pipe cleaners to promote heartworm prevention.

Empower your veterinary technicians to take over this valuable profit center and help your practice grow.

Fort Collins, Colo. -- Cooler-than-normal spring temperatures are just one factor that could contribute to possible increased cases of West Nile virus this year.

This online course provides an in-depth review of published studies demonstrating that dogs are at risk of various vector-borne infections. (0.5 CE credits)

Although not yet endemic in the United States, more cases of this parasitic--and potentially zoonotic--disease are being seen. Are you ready to handle affected dogs?

Are your clients withholding information crucial to preventing zoonotic diseases? Use this form to dig deeper and find the truth.

How can we explain the importance of testing for parasitic zoonoses to our clients?

Recent EPA reports may mean your clients are struggling to sort fact from fiction about spot-on parasite preventives. Here's what you need to know to educate pet owners about how to safely and effectively use spot-on parasite preventives.

This year's tour takes us through parts of the southeastern United States, where parasites continue to be a major threat to pets and people.

National Report - Cases of Lyme diesease are on the rise in Maine.

National Report. -- The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) issued a statement to address reports in the south-central region about increasing problems with resistance to macrocyclic lactones to prevent heartworm disease.

Bel Air, Md. -- The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) wants the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take more steps in identifying reasons for an increases in adverse events associated with spot-on flea-and-tick control products.

Gainesville, Fla. -- Disney awarded a $20,000 gift to the University of Florida (UF) veterinary college's Continuing Education Fund in honor of UF Professor Ellis Greiner, a parasitologist who helped establish a partnership between UF and Disney's Animal Kingdom 10 years ago.

Use punch cards to pound parasites

Stop heartworm infection before it starts by giving clients the facts.

The next time a chronically itchy cat comes into your clinic, don't forget to rule out demodectic mange.

Historically, veterinarians have had four options for diagnosing most infectious agents.

Have you ever had one of those days when even the simplest case sends you to your reference library for a diagnostic or treatment review?

Dr. Byron Blagburn discusses how the control of fleas and flea-induced diseases requires a considerable effort by both pet owners and veterinarians.

The American Heartworm Society's symposium addresses newest threats.

Pet Poison Helpline offers advice to pet owners following the EPA's investigation of spot-on products.

Duluth, Ga. -- Merial and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have worked out a new system to ease the shortage of its heartworm treatment Immiticide, the company reports.

The common ticks on dogs and cats in North America are all three host ticks. Accordingly, the larvae, nymphs, and adults of each species must each quest, attach to a host, and feed before leaving the host to molt or deposit eggs in the environment.

Testing for Lyme disease and anaplasmosis often involves detection of antibodies. Antibodies may be detected on a patient-side assay such as the 3Dx/4Dx SNAP tests or using IFA at a reference lab. The SNAP test uses C6 as the target antigen and thus the B. burgdorferi result is very specific.