Parasites of Cats
39 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary mode of transmission for Aelurostrongylus in cats?

  • Direct contact with infected cats
  • Inhalation of airborne larvae
  • Contact with contaminated water sources
  • Ingestion of infected snails or slugs (correct)

    • What is a common clinical sign associated with Dirofilaria immitis infections in cats?

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Neurological issues
  • Severe respiratory disease (correct)

    • Which diagnostic method is less commonly used to detect Aelurostrongylus?

  • Physical examination
  • Blood smear analysis
  • Baermann technique
  • Fecal flotation (correct)

    • What is a key feature of Dirofilaria immitis in cats compared to other animals?

    <p>Cats are rarely microfilaremic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What treatment option is NOT recommended for asymptomatic cats infected with Dirofilaria immitis?

    <p>Melarsomine treatment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mode of infection for Platynosomum fastosum in cats?

    <p>Ingestion of pill bugs or paratenic hosts like lizards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition can result from the infection caused by Platynosomum fastosum?

    <p>Acute and chronic cholangitis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What diagnostic method is used for identifying Cytauxzoon infection in domestic cats?

    <p>Identification of organisms in erythrocytes and macrophages</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following treatments is recommended for Platynosomum fastosum?

    <p>Fenbendazole, albendazole, praziquantel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common complication associated with Cytauxzoon infection in cats?

    <p>Occlusion of vessels by macrophages distended with schizonts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary consequence of feline ischemic encephalopathy?

    <p>Necrosis and degeneration of superficial layers of the cerebral cortex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about Toxoplasma gondii is true?

    <p>Only felids can shed oocysts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment has been utilized successfully in ill cats infected with Toxoplasma gondii?

    <p>Clindamycin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What organ systems can tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii cause granulomatous inflammation in?

    <p>Lymph nodes, heart, liver, lungs, brain, and eyes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long do oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii typically shed after initial infection in affected cats?

    <p>1-3 weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which parasite is primarily responsible for causing mange in cats?

    <p>Notoedres</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential diagnostic method for identifying Cheyletiella infestation in cats?

    <p>Trichogram</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment is effective against Notoedres in cats?

    <p>Fipronil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true regarding the life cycle of Toxocara cati?

    <p>Adult worms live in the small intestine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What diagnostic method can be used to identify Toxocara in cats?

    <p>Fecal flotation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following medications can be used to treat Toxocara in cats?

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

    Which statement about Cheyletiella is false?

    <p>It primarily infects dogs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What clinical signs are caused by Notoedres infestation in cats?

    <p>Alopecia and hyperkeratosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common symptom associated with Ancylostomatoidea infection?

    <p>Respiratory disease and pneumonia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When should anthelminthic treatment for Ancylostomatoidea typically begin?

    <p>Around 2 weeks of age</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following hosts are definitive for Spirometra spp.?

    <p>Cats and bobcats</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which diagnostic method is used for identifying adult Spirometra infections?

    <p>Fecal flotation to identify operculated eggs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What treatment has been used off-label for Spirometra spp.?

    <p>Praziquantel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the Cuterebra spp. larva typically enter a host?

    <p>Through burrowing into rodent and rabbit holes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential site for aberrant migration of Cuterebra spp. larvae?

    <p>Cervical subcutaneous tissue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a symptom of Ancylostomatoidea infection?

    <p>Severe headaches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes the treatment options for Tritrichomonas blagburni infection in cats?

    <p>No approved treatments exist for Tritrichomonas blagburni infections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can trigger disease in newborn kittens infected with Cystoisospora spp.?

    <p>Change of environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the diagnosis of Giardia infections in cats, which method is least effective due to intermittent shedding?

    <p>PCR testing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mode of infection for Ancylostoma tubaeforme in cats?

    <p>Direct ingestion of infective larvae (L3).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following species of Cystoisospora is associated specifically with cats?

    <p>Cystoisospora rivolta.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is true for Giardia infections in cats?

    <p>Assemblage F is the most common associated with cats.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common clinical outcome of Tritrichomonas blagburni infection in cats under 2 years of age?

    <p>Chronic diarrhea.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of hookworm infections in cats?

    <p>They are transmitted primarily through contaminated food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Parasites of Cats

    • Learning Objectives: By the end of the presentation, learn to identify parasites causing clinical signs in cats, design diagnostic plans, create treatment plans, and educate owners on prevention.

    Notoedres

    • Morphology: Long, unsegmented pedicels; anus on dorsal body surface.
    • Hosts: Cats, rats, rabbits, occasionally humans.
    • Infestation: Starts on pinnae, spreads to face, paws, and hindquarters.
    • Clinical Signs: Alopecia (hair loss) and hyperkeratosis (thickened skin).
    • Diagnosis: Skin scrape.
    • Treatment: Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin, milbemycin oxime), fipronil.

    Cheyletiella

    • Common Name: "Walking dandruff."
    • Morphology: Large papal claws, M-shaped peritremes.
    • Hosts: Primarily cats ( Cheyletiella blakei).
    • Infestation: Survives longer off host than other mites, environment can be source of reinfestation.
    • Clinical Signs: Dandruff-like appearance; irritation.
    • Diagnosis: Flea comb, trichogram, superficial skin scrape.
    • Treatment: Macrocyclic lactones, fipronil.

    Toxocara cati

    • Distribution: Worldwide.
    • Morphology: Cream colored adults with cervical alae.
    • Habitat: Adults live in small intestines of mammals.
    • Life cycle is similar to Toxocara canis, with an exception.
    • Transplacental Transmission: Does not occur
    • Transmammary Transmission: Can occur in infected queens.
    • Clinical Signs: Vomiting
    • Diagnosis: Adults in vomit or feces, eggs in fecal flotation.
    • Treatment: Pyrantel pamoate, piperazine, macrocyclic lactones, emodepside.

    Toxocara cati Disease

    • Severity: Less potential for death than T. canis.
    • Zoonotic Potential: Can cause human infection

    Tritrichomonas blagburni

    • Habitat: Large intestine of cats.
    • Prevalence: Common in catteries and purebred cats.
    • Clinical Signs: Chronic diarrhea (commonly in cats less than 2 years old).
    • Asymptomatic: Many cats are asymptomatic.
    • Diagnosis: Trophozoites in fecal smears, InPouch culture, PCR.
    • Treatment: No approved treatments; off-label ronidazole or metronidazole.

    Cystoisospora spp.

    • Transmission: Ingestion of oocysts or paratenic hosts (in dogs and cats).
    • Hosts: Cats (C. felis, C. rivolta).
    • Prevalence: Often results from a change in environment.
    • Clinical Signs: Diarrhea, weight loss (rarely).
    • Diagnosis: Oocysts on fecal smears, or PCR
    • Treatment: Sulfadimethoxine.

    Giardia

    • Description: Common intestinal commensal organism.
    • Clinical Presentation: Many cats are subclinical.
    • Diagnosis: Cysts on direct smears, fecal floatation with zinc sulfate, ELISA.
    • Treatment: Metronidazole (off-label).

    Ancylostoma

    • Transmission: Direct ingestion of infective larvae (L3), skin penetration of L3, or ingestion of paratenic hosts (rodents, cockroaches).
    • Affecting species: Ancylostoma tubaeforme & Ancylostoma braziliense affect cats and dogs.
    • Clinical Signs: Anemia, diarrhea, weight loss, respiratory disease (pneumonia).
    • Diagnosis: Thin-walled, morulated eggs ("strongyle-type") on fecal flotation.
    • Treatment: Anthelminthics (started as soon as possible, around 2 weeks of age); Macrocyclic lactones, pyrantel, emodepside.

    Spirocerca spp.

    • Distribution: Worldwide and most common in Southeast Asia.
    • Hosts: Cat and bobcat are natural definitive hosts.
    • Intermediate Hosts: Plerocercoid (aka sparganum) develops in many animals (snakes, frogs, birds—not in fish).
    • Clinical Signs: Adults in intestines usually cause no disease. Vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea are possible complications.
    • Diagnosis: Operculated eggs in fecal flotation, or sedimentation, or segments passed in feces.
    • Treatment: No approved treatment; praziquantel may be used off-label

    Cuterebra spp.

    • Transmission: Third-stage larvae acquired from rodent and rabbit burrows.
    • Clinical Signs: Bots found in cervical subcutaneous connective tissue, and migration is sometimes to ocular, nasal, oral regions, and brain regions.
    • Treatment: Manual removal, Topical imidacloprid or fipronil, Ivermectin.

    Aelurostrongylus

    • Habitat: Adults in lungs of cats.
    • Transmission: Eggs are deposited in lung parenchyma, larvae cough up and are swallowed, ingested via snails and slugs.
    • Intermediate hosts: Larvae develop in intermediate hosts (snails & slugs)
    • Clinical Signs: Usually asymptomatic; can cause coughing, anorexia, and dyspnea.
    • Diagnosis: Detection of larvae using Baermann technique or fecal flotations; rarely seen on fecal flotations.
    • Treatment: Ivermectin, selamectin, fenbendazole.

    Dirofilaria immitis

    • Prevalence: Cats typically have 1-3 adult worms.
    • Clinical signs: Asymptomatic to severe, but commonly causes Heartworm associated respiratory disease (HARD).
    • HARD Signs: Intense inflammation of the pulmonary vessels due to immature worm death, and complications such as coughing, wheezing, and dyspnea.
    • Diagnosis: Often difficult; low sensitivity antigen tests, antibody tests, or microfilaria check (may be transient or absent).
    • Treatment: No specific therapy for asymptomatic cats; Melarsomine treatment not recommended; microfilaricidal treatment not required; annual heartworm prevention is recommended.

    Paragonimus

    • Distribution: Present in U.S. around Mississippi River basin.
    • Transmission: Infection through ingestion of metacercariae in crabs or crayfish..
    • Clinical Signs: Chronic coughing; bullae formation and rupture, leading to pneumothorax; migration to viscera and brain.
    • Diagnosis: Fecal sedimentation or transtracheal wash.
    • Treatment: Albendazole, fenbendazole, praziquantel.

    Platynosomum fastosum

    • AKA: Lizard poisoning disease.
    • Habitat: Adults live in bile and pancreatic ducts of cats.
    • Prevalence: Common in southeastern U.S. and Caribbean.
    • Transmission: Ingesting pill bugs or paratenic hosts (lizards, toads).
    • Clinical Signs: Acute/chronic cholangitis, lethargy, fever, hepatomegaly, abdominal distension, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, or cholangiocarcinoma.
    • Diagnosis: Eggs in feces on sedimentation.
    • Treatment: Praziquantel, surgical removal

    Cytauxzoon

    • Distribution: Common in US southeast and southern U.S., transmitted by bite of Amblyomma americanum.
    • Clinical Signs: Rapid onset, often fatal; fever, anemia, icterus, pancytopenia, or death.
    • Diagnosis: Organisms in erythrocytes and macrophages.
    • Treatment: Atovaquone + azithromycin.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Parasites in Cats PDF

    Description

    Explore the various parasites affecting cats, including Notoedres and Cheyletiella. This quiz covers their morphology, hosts, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment plans. Learn how to effectively educate pet owners on prevention and care.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser