Roundworms and Cycad Palm Toxicosis Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is one method used to diagnose ascariasis caused by Toxocara species?

Fecal flotation to detect eggs (correct)

Blood smear analysis

Complete blood count

Ultrasound imaging

Which of the following describes the physical characteristics of Toxocara eggs?

Flat and oval with smooth edges

Small and transparent with a solid interior

Rough surface and irregular shape

Spherical with a pitted outer shell membrane (correct)

Which transmission method is NOT associated with Toxascaris?

Transmammary transmission

Environmental contamination

Direct contact with infected animals

Transplacental transmission (correct)

What complication might infected neonatal pups experience before Toxocara eggs are detected in feces?

Abdominal pain and rapid deterioration Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate treatment interval for anthelmintic therapy in puppies and kittens?

Every 2-3 weeks until old enough for monthly treatment Signup and view all the answers

Which organism's eggs are similar in appearance to those of Toxocara but smaller?

Baylisascaris Signup and view all the answers

What clinical signs might indicate strongyloides infection in dogs?

Diarrhea and lethargy Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended prevention method to reduce roundworm infections in the environment?

Minimizing environmental contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is the diametric size range of Toxascaris eggs, and what is their characteristic feature?

76 × 60 μm, smooth exterior shell Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used to identify larvae in the necropsy of siblings infected with ascarids?

Identification by size and appearance Signup and view all the answers

What complication can arise from large numbers of ascarids in a host’s intestine?

Intestinal rupture Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of transplacental transmission of larvae in pregnant dogs or cats?

Fetal death or weak nonviable offspring Signup and view all the answers

What can the fecal ELISA test detect in relation to Toxocara spp. infections?

Antigen produced by adult and immature roundworms Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected prognosis after anthelmintic treatment for severe prenatal T.canis infection?

Guarded with potential complications Signup and view all the answers

What preventative measure should be taken to protect dogs and cats from Toxocara infections?

Dispose of feces promptly Signup and view all the answers

What treatment is suggested for infected dams to reduce transmission of Toxocara spp. to their offspring?

Adulticide/larvicide anthelmintic treatment Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable sign of Toxocara infection in puppies or kittens?

Abdominal distension with palpable intestinal distension Signup and view all the answers

Which method is typically used to treat acute severe cases of Toxocara infection in puppies and kittens?

Hospitalization while providing parenteral fluids Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is recognized as the drug of choice for treating Toxocara infections?

Fenbendazole 50 mg/kg PO q24h for 3 days Signup and view all the answers

What are potential zoonotic conditions associated with Toxocara infection in humans?

Visceral larva migrans and neural larva migrans Signup and view all the answers

What demographic group is especially at risk for severe complications from Toxocara infection?

Neonates and young animals Signup and view all the answers

How is Toxocara typically transmitted from dam to puppies?

Via transmammary transmission during lactation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents an effective preventative measure against Toxocara infection in pets?

Practicing good hygiene after handling feces Signup and view all the answers

What is a common risk factor for Toxocara infection among puppies and kittens?

Access to infected transport hosts Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of N-Acetylcysteine in the context of cycad palm toxicity?

It is an antioxidant and glutathione precursor. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following species are commonly associated with cycad toxicosis?

Cycas revoluta, Cycas circinalis, and Zamia floridana Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is suggested for treating acute liver failure caused by microcystins?

Activated charcoal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of IV fluids in cases of acute gastrointestinal upset?

To maintain hydration Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant clinical sign associated with severe liver damage due to cycad palms?

Hypoglycemia and hyperammonemia Signup and view all the answers

How is cycasin primarily metabolized in the body?

By the intestinal flora Signup and view all the answers

What condition can be caused by access to cocklebur at a specific growth stage?

Gastrointestinal upset Signup and view all the answers

What laboratory tests are indicated in cases of suspected cycad palm ingestion?

Ammonia tolerance test and urine specific gravity Signup and view all the answers

What dosage of activated charcoal is recommended for a patient experiencing poisoning?

1-4 g/kg PO q4-6h Signup and view all the answers

What is a contraindication associated with treatments for cycad toxicosis?

Inappropriate use in cases of renal failure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT associated with hepatotoxicity following ingestion?

Cycad palm fronds Signup and view all the answers

What type of necrosis is typically observed during necropsy in cases of cycad palm poisoning?

Hepatic centrilobular necrosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the indicated route and dosage for administering Vitamin K1 in case of poisoning?

0.5–1.5 mg/kg SC or IM q12h Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following findings would most likely indicate cycad palm ingestion in a patient?

Increased urine bilirubin and high urine specific gravity Signup and view all the answers

What type of poisoning is associated with dextrose administration?

Microcystin poisoning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about S-Adenosylmethionine is correct?

Evidence of its efficacy in cases involving sago palm is lacking. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Roundworms (Ascariasis)

Caused by Toxocara canis (dogs), T.cati (cats), and Toxascaris leonina (dogs, cats)
Transplacental transmission of T. canis larvae from bitch to pups causes prenatal infection.
Transmammary transmission of larvae occurs with both Toxocara spp. (no transplacental or transmammary transmission with Toxascaris)
Adult ascarids occur in the lumen of the small intestine; larval stages may migrate in the liver and lungs.
Can cause abdominal distension, colic, weakness, loss of condition, cachexia, coughing due to larval lung migration.
Treat with adulticide/larvicide anthelmintic to remove intestinal stages and limit transmission.
Repeat post-treatment fecal exams on puppies/kittens and/or repeat anthelmintic treatment every 2-3 weeks.

Cycad Palm Toxicosis

Cycad palms belong to the family Cycadaceae.
Contain toxins cycasin, betamethylamino-l-alanine, and an unidentified high-molecular-weight compound.
Highest concentrations of toxins in seeds.
Cycasin is metabolized by the intestinal flora to methylazoxymethanol (MAM).
Causes hepatic necrosis, and may be carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and neurotoxic.
Treat with activated charcoal, IV fluids, dextrose, vitamin K1, blood products.
Prognosis good after anthelmintic treatment; guarded with severe prenatal T. canis infection.
Prevent access to cycad palms.

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Description

Explore the characteristics and effects of roundworms, specifically those caused by Toxocara species, as well as the dangers of cycad palm toxicity. Learn about transmission methods, symptoms, and treatment options for ascariasis, alongside the poisonous components found in cycad palms. This quiz offers essential insights into these topics for veterinary and animal health studies.