Veterinary Parasite & Urine Analysis PDF

Parasite - An organism living on or in another living organism (host) being advantageous to the parasite. Host - Animal/organism on which the parasite lives Endoparasite Parasite that lives INSIDE host & are divided into Helminths and Protozoa Helminths - These are worms & are subdivided into 3 t...

Parasite - An organism living on or in another living organism (host) being advantageous to the parasite. Host - Animal/organism on which the parasite lives Endoparasite Parasite that lives INSIDE host & are divided into Helminths and Protozoa Helminths - These are worms & are subdivided into 3 types. Tapeworms, Roundworms, Flukes Protozoa - Single-celled micro-organisms that can be either free- living or parasite Ectoparasite - Parasite that lives OUTSIDE host & has an exoskeleton - these are divided into Insects & Arachnids Anthelmintics - Drugs that are used in the control of parasites Endoparasites Tapeworms (Cestode) Roundworms (Nematode) Whipworms (Nematode) Hookworms (Nematode) Giardia Coccidia Clinical signs of endoparasite infections Dull coat Vomiting Diarrhoea Potbellied Weight loss despite a good appetite Irritation around the bottom – “scooting” Worms seen, or segments seen around the anus area Fleas treatment Frontline Plus (fipronil and (S)-methoprene) Advantage (imidacloprid) Bravecto Spot-On (fluralaner) Comfortis Capstar Seresto Worms Treatment Drontal (praziquantel and febantel) Milbemax (milbemycin oxime and praziquantel) Profender (emodepside and praziquantel) Combination Advocate Revolution (selamectin) Broadline What container for what test? Do: Label all specimens with animal and owner’s name Refrigerate all samples after collection and submit to the laboratory as soon as possible – except cytology smears and blood films Include an ice pack with samples when couriering to laboratory, especially in summer Ensure all samples sent to the laboratory are packaged according to IATA shipping regulations (Dangerous goods regulations) Don’t: Use a small formalin container for a large tissue (formalin volume = 10 x tissue volume) Put blood films and cytology smears in the fridge, leave at room temperature. Packaging samples to go to outside lab Package samples so they will arrive in good condition and present no hazards during shipping  Sample must be in a water-tight container Sample container in a sealed sample bag with sufficient absorbent material to absorb any leakage Collect a blood sample Transfer blood into an appropriate tube Make sure you label your sample with the following 1. Patient name and details 2. Date of collection 3. Clinic and vet Filling blood tubes Remove needle post collection Ratio of blood to additive is important Slowly fill blood tubes at an angle 1. Coagulation tests (sodium citrate – blue top) 2. Serum test (no additive – red tops) 3. Plasma tubes ( Heparin first biochemical markers – Green top, EDTA second complete blood cell count – purple top,) Filling out of order may lead to contaminating the blood samples with additives and lead to invalid results in major biochemical parameters.  Gentle mix additive and sample. Collect a free flow urine sample Known as a “voided” sample There are four key steps to remember: 1. Always wear gloves (risk of zoonoses) 2. Use a CLEAN kidney dish or similar container to collect the urine 3. Having two people can be helpful so catch samples with efficiency 4. Catch urine midstream if you can (catching at the beginning if you can skew results and may be contaminated) Collect a free flow urine sample Transfer urine into an appropriate pottle Make sure you label your sample with the following 1. Patient name and details 2. Date of collection 3. Clinic and vet 4. Type of sample (voided, cystocentesis etc.) Perform a gross urine analysis and record results Sample should be evaluated within 30 minutes of collecting Need to note the following; 1. Colour 2. Clarity 3. Odour Avoid using the term normal as this is variable between species and individuals Appearance can change as sample ages so the fresher, the more accurate your observations. URINE CLARITY Most animals' urine should be clear but can become cloudy (pictured top left) Certain species (such as rabbits) can often have cloudy/milky urine and is heavily controlled by diet Cloudy urine in other animals can be a sign of infection  Flocculent urine is urine containing a lot of sediment, such as ‘calcium sludge’ Urine colours & odour Normal urine should be a shade of yellow Urine colour can be affected by; Hydration status Medication or supplements Certain diseases Urine odour increases with concentration Bacterial presence can create an ammonia aroma Presence of ketones (possibly from diabetes or starvation) may cause a fruity sweet smell Perform a dipstick urinalysis test and record results Before starting make sure you are organized 1. Sample, dipsticks, gloves, and sheet ready to note results 2. Gently mix the sample 3. Use a 1ml syringe to apply a drop of urine to each square on the test strip and note the time 4. Each square has a different testing time (can range from 60 seconds to 2 minutes) 5. Record your results at the appropriate times and make sure you place any urine related materials into the hazardous waste. 6. Return sample to fridge for other tests that may be required later. Perform a specific gravity test (USG) using a refractometer and record results Always make sure the refractometer has been calibrated before starting 2-3 drops of distilled water on prism Should sit on 1.000 on SG scale If needs calibrating, use the provided screwdriver to adjust Dry prism with a lint free, dry tissue Using 2-3 drops of your sample, test and record reading for vet Clean prism and cover plate with distilled water Environmental impact of commonly used anti- parasitics Food types Commercial diets Homemade diets Therapeutic diets Client education Feeding practices Family involvement Feeding amount Treat selections Common misconceptions Ingredients : are listed in decending order by weight. Because chicken, beef and lamb could weigh more than dry ingrienents such as grains and fiber. Guaranteed Analysis :  Indicates minimum of maximum levels of nutrients   Not an indication of the actual nutrient content of  the pet food  Not a guarantee of nutritional quality  Moisture levels in pet foods vary making it virtually impossible for the average pet owner to accurately compare nutritional information AFFCO Statement  Verifies the method of testing used to determine the nutritional adequacy of a pet food  Indicates the food provides complete an balanced nutrition for each specific life stage (growing animal, pregnant and nursing mothers or adults) or it might say the product is nutritional adequate for all life stages Science diets Pros of Science-Based Diets: Nutritional Adequacy: Science-based diets are formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for pets, ensuring they receive the nutrients they need for optimal health. Health Benefits: Science-based diets are designed to help manage and prevent a range of health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and kidney disease.  Evidence-Based: Science-based diets are formulated based on the latest research and scientific evidence, ensuring that they are safe and effective for pets. Quality Control: Science-based diets are subject to strict quality control measures, ensuring that they are made with high-quality ingredients and meet rigorous standards for safety and nutrition. Limitations of Science-Based Diets: Pet food is not regulated: Any company can claim they are a science-based diet Nutrition assessment Body condition score Muscle condition score Indicators of nutritional health Coat quality Dental problems Energy levels Gastrointestinal problems Immune system function Nutrient requirement The nutritional requirement will change depending on  Life stage Breed Injury/ Illness Physical activity Pregnancy and lactation Nursing Process and Holistic Care Assessment Nursing decision Plan the care Provide care Evaluate care The nursing process Nurse collects data about the patient's health status and identifies any potential or actual problems A nursing decision or diagnosis differs from a medical diagnosis, we are not concerned about the disease but rather the interventions need to provide appropriate care. Formulated from the assessment. The planning stage involves developing goals and interventions to address the patient's nursing diagnosis. i.e rotate every 2-4 hours to prevent decubitus ulcers The implementation stage involves carrying out the nursing interventions that were developed in the planning stage. The evaluation stage involves assessing the effectiveness of the nursing interventions and determining if the goals of the nursing care plan have been achieved What is a nursing care plan? A nursing care plan is a written document that outlines the nursing care that a patient requires based on their medical condition and individual needs.