Ascarid Parasites Overview
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Questions and Answers

What happens to the larvae once they encyst in the host's tissues?

  • Their development is arrested and can remain for years. (correct)
  • They continue to grow and develop rapidly.
  • They become inactive and cannot be reactivated.
  • They are expelled from the body through feces.

Which route of transmission is most important for the infestation of puppies?

  • Ingestion of paratenic hosts.
  • Transplacental transmission from the dam. (correct)
  • Transmammary transmission through milk.
  • Oral ingestion of infective ova.

How long does it take for Toxocara canis ova to become infective?

  • 10 days
  • 5 to 6 weeks
  • 1 week
  • 2 to 4 weeks (correct)

What is the prepatent period for Toxocara canis when acquired via transplacental transmission?

<p>4 weeks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In older puppies and adult dogs, what is most likely to happen to larvae that encyst in their tissues?

<p>They eventually reactivate and set up a new infestation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of paratenic hosts in the lifecycle of Toxocara canis?

<p>They provide a means for adult dogs to acquire infective larvae. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the prepatent period for Toxascaris leonina in dogs?

<p>8 weeks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main transit path for larvae migrating from ingested ova?

<p>Liver to lungs via the circulatory system. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sign is NOT typically associated with ascarid infestation in puppies?

<p>Increased stamina (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary route of transmission for neonatal infestations in young kittens?

<p>Transmammary transmission (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical age range for puppies most commonly experiencing patent infestations?

<p>Under 5 weeks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major difference between Toxascaris leonina and T.canis related to zoonotic potential?

<p>T.canis is zoonotic while Toxascaris leonina is not. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to larvae during somatic migration?

<p>They remain encysted in tissues (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential clinical sign of intestinal obstruction in puppies?

<p>Vomiting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the feline ascarid Toxocara cati is true?

<p>The probability of tracheal migration remains high throughout a cat’s life. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of transmission does not occur with Toxascaris leonina?

<p>Transplacental transmission (A), Transmammary transmission (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method to confirm ascarid infestation in an animal?

<p>Microscopic fecal examination (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is associated with the symptoms of Visceral Larva Migrans in humans?

<p>Liver inflammation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of larvae during tracheal migration?

<p>They break out of pulmonary capillaries into alveoli. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what age does somatic migration primarily occur in dogs?

<p>Older than 3 months old (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common clinical appearance in kittens heavily infested with ascarids?

<p>Pot belly appearance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organism is NOT zoonotic among the mentioned ascarids?

<p>Toxascaris leonina (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take for Toxocara cati eggs to become infective?

<p>2-4 weeks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of mucosal migration in larvae?

<p>Larvae mature into adult ascarids (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the life cycle of ascarids in dogs and cats?

<p>It is a direct life cycle with some potential for indirect transmission. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long does it typically take for ascarid ova to become infective?

<p>2 to 4 weeks for most species, but only 1 week for Toxascaris leonina. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of infective ascarid ova?

<p>They are resistant and can survive in soil for years. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary transmission route for ascarids in puppies?

<p>Transplacental transmission. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes transmammary transmission?

<p>Larvae migrate to the mammary gland and are ingested by young through milk. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do adult ascarids typically reside in their definitive host?

<p>In the small intestine. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ascarid transmission method does not apply to feline ascarids (Toxocara cati)?

<p>Transplacental transmission. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about ascarid larvae is true?

<p>They may migrate through the body depending on the host's age and species. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary route of transmission for T.canis in puppies?

<p>Transplacental route (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about paratenic host transmission is true?

<p>Paratenic hosts need to be eaten by the definitive host for completion of the lifecycle. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during mucosal migration of ascarid larvae?

<p>Larvae burrow into the mucosa of the small intestine. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference in the migration patterns of larvae in older puppies and adult dogs compared to younger ones?

<p>Older puppies initiate tracheal migration but do not break out in the lungs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which age group do tracheal migration patterns most commonly occur?

<p>Young puppies generally under 3 months of age (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during somatic migration in older puppies and adult dogs?

<p>Some larvae remain in the circulatory system instead of entering the lungs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the pre-patent period for T.canis?

<p>It takes approximately 4 weeks for eggs to appear in feces. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of larval migration through the liver?

<p>It can create hepatic lesions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical sign is associated with C. Visceral Larva Migrans in the liver?

<p>Hepatomegaly (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment for larval ascarids in dogs?

<p>Fenbendazole (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is effective in treating adult ascarids?

<p>Pyrantel (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of C. Ocular Larva Migrans?

<p>Blindness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is typically administered to puppies starting at 2 weeks of age for hookworms?

<p>Pyrantel pamoate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During what period should fenbendazole be administered to a pregnant bitch?

<p>From Day 40 of gestation to Day 3 after whelping (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the efficacy of Pyrantel pamoate in treating adult ascarids in dogs and cats?

<p>95% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required for puppies after completing their treatment with Pyrantel pamoate?

<p>Monthly heartworm prevention (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ascarid Life Cycle

Direct life cycle, no intermediate host needed, but possible paratenic host involvement for indirect transmission.

Ascarid Ova Infectivity

Ova take approximately 2-4 weeks to become infective (larvae develop inside). Toxascaris leonina takes only a week.

Ascarid Oral Transmission

Definitive host ingests infective ova, larvae hatch, migrate (depending on species), mature, and reproduce in the small intestine.

Transplacental Transmission

Infective larvae cross the placenta to the fetus, mainly a pup transmission method. Feline ascarid does not use this method.

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Transmammary Transmission

Larvae migrate to the mammary gland and pass to offspring via milk.

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Paratenic Host

A host that can temporarily carry parasite larvae or eggs without being infected or showing signs of infection, and can transmit the parasite to a definitive host.

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Definitive Host

The host where the parasite reaches maturity and reproduces.

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Intermediate Host

A host where a parasite undergoes a required developmental stage. (not discussed here).

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Paratenic host transmission

A transmission route of a parasite where the infective stage is ingested by an intermediate host (paratenic host), which the definitive host then eats, completing the parasite's life cycle.

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Mucosal migration

The migration of ascarid larvae through the lining of the small intestine, a crucial step in their development.

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Tracheal migration

The migration of ascarid larvae through the lungs and trachea to reach the small intestine.

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Somatic migration

Larvae migration in adult and older puppies, differing from tracheal migration by remaining in the circulatory system.

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Pre-patent period (T.canis)

The time it takes for the parasite's eggs to appear in the host's feces after infection.

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Definitive host (DH)

The host where the parasite reaches maturity and reproduces.

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Ascarid larvae migration

The movement of immature ascarid worms throughout the host's body, involving several organs.

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Transplacental route

A route from mother to puppies via the placenta during gestation period.

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Prenatal Infestation

Larvae pass from mother to offspring through the placenta.

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Patent Infestation

The final stage of maturation where adult ascarids are present in the small intestine.

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Encysted Larvae

Ascarid larvae in a dormant state, encased within a protective layer in tissues.

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Prepatent Period

The time it takes for ascarid eggs to appear in feces after infection.

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Ascarid migration in puppies

Larvae travel through the bloodstream to organs like muscles and kidneys, encyst in tissues, and remain dormant for years. Later, they reactivate during late pregnancy and migrate to the uterus, placenta, mammary glands, and small intestine, spreading to pups through transplacental and transmammary transmission.

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Ascarid migration in adult dogs

Similar to puppies, but adult dogs are more likely to have larvae encyst in tissues, and the larvae are more likely to reactivate and migrate to the intestines of the dam, setting up a new infection.

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Ascarid in paratenic host

Paratenic hosts, like rats, harbor ascarid larvae in their tissue but are not infected themselves. Definitive hosts get infected by eating these hosts.

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Toxocara canis

A type of ascarid that infects dogs. Its ova are slightly larger than Toxocara cati, but this is not visible on a fecal exam.

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Ascarid prepatent period

The time it takes for the parasite to mature and start producing eggs in the host.

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Ascarid tracheal migration

After ingestion, ascarid larvae migrate from the intestines to the liver, then to the lungs via the circulatory system.

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Ascarid Migration in Adults

Adult dogs and cats usually don't experience tracheal or somatic migration, with the larvae directly going to the intestinal mucosa.

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Toxascaris leonina

A type of ascarid that is not zoonotic, meaning it cannot infect humans.

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Clinical Signs in Puppies

Puppies with ascarid infections often show signs like poor growth, pot-belly, dull coat, and diarrhea. Severe infections can lead to death.

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Clinical Signs in Kittens

Infected kittens often are simply 'unthrifty' but can also experience coughing, vomiting, and intestinal issues.

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Diagnosis of Ascarids

Ascarids can be identified by observing adult worms in feces or vomit, but a microscopic exam of the feces is required for confirmation.

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Zoonotic Ascarids

Ascarids like Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati can be transmitted from animals to humans, leading to visceral and ocular larva migrans.

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Visceral Larva Migrans

A condition caused by migrating ascarid larvae that affects various organs, leading to damage and potential complications like hepatomegaly, pneumonitis, renal failure, and neurological issues.

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Ocular Larva Migrans

A condition where ascarid larvae migrate to the eyes, potentially leading to blindness.

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Piperazine

An over-the-counter (OTC) drug used to treat adult ascarids in dogs and cats, with effectiveness ranging from 52% to 100%.

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Pyrantel Pamoate

A highly effective drug against adult ascarids in dogs and cats, with a 95% success rate. It is available as a pleasant-tasting liquid.

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Fenbendazole

The most commonly used drug for treating both adult and larval ascarids. It is effective for all life stages and safe for pregnant and lactating mothers.

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Pregnant Bitch Treatment

Treats ascarids in pregnant dogs with Ivermectin during pregnancy and Fenbendazole from day 40 of gestation to 3 days after whelping.

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Puppy Treatment

Treats puppies with Pyrantel Pamoate at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age, followed by monthly heartworm prevention with efficacy against Toxocara canis. Continue with Fenbendazole treatment.

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Kitten Treatment

Treat kittens with Pyrantel Pamoate at 2 weeks for hookworms, 6 weeks for ascarids and hookworms, and 8 weeks for heartworm prevention. Fenbendazole can be used off-label for additional treatment.

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Study Notes

General Ascarid Information

  • Nematode parasites, among the largest and most familiar
  • Direct life cycle, but some may be transferred by paratenic hosts, resulting in indirect transmission
  • Generally host-specific
  • Adults reside in the small intestine

Ascarid Ova

  • Passed in the feces of the definitive host (DH)
  • Require 2-4 weeks to become infective, with larvae developing inside the ova
  • Very resistant to the environment and can survive in soil for years
  • Transmission occurs through the ingestion of infective ova by a new or subsequent definitive host

Transmission

  • Oral transmission: Ova from an infected DH are ingested by a new DH, then hatch and migrate through the body before maturing in the intestinal tract and beginning to reproduce
  • Transplacental Transmission: Larvae from a pregnant host cross the placenta and infect the developing fetus
  • Primary transmission route for puppies

Migration of Ascarid Larvae

  • Mucosal Migration: Larvae burrow into intestinal mucosa, then develop and mature into adult worms, returning to the lumen to reproduce
  • Tracheal Migration: Larvae migrate to the lungs, enter the alveoli, travel through the trachea, and returned to the intestines, where they mature into adult worms
  • Somatic Migration: Larvae migrate through the circulatory system to various organs, encysting in tissues; particularly common in older puppies, adult dogs, and adult cats

Canine Ascarids (Toxocara canis)

  • Definitive host: Dogs
  • Ova slightly larger than T. cati ova
  • Zoonotic
  • Ovum requires 2-4 weeks to become infective
  • Transplacental transmission is the most crucial method for pup infection
  • Oral, transmammary, and paratenic host transmission occur

Types of Transmission

  • Oral: Ingestion of infective ova
  • Transplacental: Transmission of larvae through the placenta
  • Transmammary: Transmission via maternal milk
  • Paratenic host: Ingestion of an intermediate host infected with larvae

Feline Ascarids (Toxocara cati)

  • Definitive host: Cats
  • Look similar to T. canis
  • Zoonotic
  • Ovum requires 2-4 weeks to become infective
  • Prenatal infection does not occur
  • Neonatal infection through transmammary transmission is crucial for kittens
  • Mucosal, tracheal, and somatic migrations are crucial

The Dog and Cat Ascarids (Toxascaris leonina)

  • Affects both dogs and cats
  • Ovum infective in 1 week, Oral and paratenic host transmission
  • No transplacental or transmammary transmission
  • Only mucosal migration
  • More likely than T. canis or T. cati to be found in adult animals (especially dogs), Pre-patent period longer (especially in cats)
  • Not zoonotic

Clinical Signs of Ascarids

  • Puppies: Pot-bellied appearance, dull hair coat, diarrhea, constipation, coughing, decreased stamina, small size, or abdominal discomfort.
  • Kittens: Often subclinical; coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and pot belly appearance.

Diagnosis

  • Perform a fecal examination to confirm the presence of ascarids, either for adult worms or ova.

Zoonotic Ascarids

  • T. canis, T. cati, Baylisascaris procyonis, and Ascaris suum have zoonotic potential
  • Transmission occurs through ingestion of ova, with infected animals becoming a paratenic host.

Visceral and Ocular Larva Migrans

  • Infective ova hatch, larvae migrate through tissues (liver, lungs, CNS for visceral, eyes for ocular)
  • Larvae can encyst in various tissues, causing inflammation, but not complete development due to the host environment/immune response

Treatment of Ascarids

  • Several drugs are effective against adult and larval ascarids
  • Consult veterinarian regarding treatment for pregnant animals.

Care of Infested Puppies/Kittens

  • Vigilance and hygiene to prevent re-infection are crucial
  • A high-quality, balanced diet with adequate vitamins and minerals should aid in the recovery process

Environmental Control

  • Remove all fecal material to eliminate the source of infestation.
  • Steam sterilization, total removal of topsoil, or prescribed burns can eliminate the ova.

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