Parasitology is a fascinating field, especially when exploring the intricate mechanisms by which parasites

propagate. In the fast-paced veterinary clinic environment, the study of parasitology too often becomes routine
and mundane—we simply perform yet another fecal examination and dutifully record the results.
We invite you to step out of this routine and rediscover the amazing life cycles of these remarkable organisms.
Challenge yourself to not only identify a hookworm egg by genus alone, but by species. Explore the complex
relationships between parasites and their intermediate and definitive hosts.
Throughout this manual, you will find
icons that indicate the species affected
parasites. To be of most benefit to veterinarians and technicians, the manual was designed to be convenient and easy to use.
by individual parasites (see definitions As you’ll see, the parasites described in this manual have been divided into two groups according to the material (i.e., feces
for the species icons below), plus
drawings that provide relative size
or blood) tested for infection. Additional sections are devoted to pseudoparasites, parasite life cycles and practical, time-
comparisons. In saving diagnostic procedures. In addition, you will find guidelines for parasite prevention in dogs and cats developed by the
each key, a simple
drawing of the
Companion Animal Parasite Council, plus a handy index.
parasite being
discussed will be All of the information provided here is brief and to the point. Wherever possible, symbols are used to convey key
shown next to a information (see the key at left).
Toxocara spp. egg
drawing. We would like to acknowledge Professor Byron Blagburn, Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine,
Auburn University, for providing astute technical assistance and one-of-a-kind illustrative material for this manual.
Novartis is pleased to provide you with this laboratory manual to assist with diagnosis of common parasites in dogs and
cats. We hope it will further aid your fecal examinations and parasite identification. Please use this manual to help educate
Indicates the your clients on the risks and prevention of internal parasites. We are honored to work with you toward the most important
parasite
infects dogs.
goal: a happy, healthy pet.
Indicates the parasite infects cats.

Indicates the parasite infects

raccoons.
Jason Drake, DVM Dr. France Gagné
Indicates that one or more stages in Director of Professional Services National Director, Professional Services
the life cycle of the parasite can infect
humans. Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. Novartis Animal Health Canada Inc.
This diagnostic manual is
designed to be an
informative source for the
identification and
exploration of internal
Parasites found in blood 5 Parasite life cycles 37
Nematodes 6 Feline 38
Canine 45

Parasite prevalence
Parasites found in feces 57
Parasites of the gastrointestinal tract 9
Cestodes 10
Nematodes 16
Protozoa 24 Diagnostic techniques 61
Parasites of the respiratory tract Direct smear 62
Nematodes 28 Sedimentation 63
Trematodes 29 Flotation 64
Parasites of the urinary tract Centrifugation 65
Nematodes 30
Companion Animal Parasite
Pseudoparasites 31 Council (CAPC) guidelines 69

Index 72
Nematodes
Acanthocheilonema
(Dipetalonema) reconditum 6
Dirofilaria immitis 7
Acanthocheilonema Characteristics of microfilariae
(Dipetalonema) reconditum of D. immitis and A. reconditum
Dirofilaria Acanthocheilonema
immitis reconditum
Length 307–322 μm 246–293 μm
(310 μm average) (280 μm average)
Width (1⁄3 of length
6.1–7.2 μm 4.7–5.8 μm
from anterior end)
Shape of head Tapered Blunted
Cellularity of anterior
end Cellular Clear space

Condition of tail Straight Button hook shaped

in some
(artifact of formalin
fixation)

Motility in Stationary Progressive

direct smear of (tends to move
anticoagulated out of field
whole blood of view)
Note the characteristic smaller size and blunt anterior
end of microfilariae of A. reconditum (top) and the
characteristic tapering anterior end of microfilariae of
D. immitis (bottom). 6
Adult D. immitis in the right ventricle Microfilariae of D. immitis as seen on a membrane filtration
of the heart. test. Note: Circulating microfilariae are very rarely observed in
the cat.
PARASITES FOUND IN FECES
PARASITES OF THE
GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
Cestodes
Dipylidium caninum 10
Echinococcus spp. 14
 Uncinaria stenocephala Physaloptera Aelurostrongylus abstrusus 28
spp. Eucoleus (Capillaria) aerophilus 28
Toxascaris leonina Trematodes
Toxocara canis Paragonimus kellicotti 29
PARASITES OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT
Nematodes
PARASITES OF THE URINARY TRACT Nematodes

10
Egg packet of D. caninum Comparison of adult D. caninum with a canine roundworm.
 PARASITES FOUND IN FECES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT – CESTODES

Adult D. caninum . Note that the segments ar e lon- Dried D. caninum segments; sometimes found by pet owners.
ger than they are wide. Dried proglottids
( segments) are sometimes brought in for
identification by pet owners.
Comparison of common tapeworms in dogs and cats
 Dipylidium caninum Taenia pisiformis*
Common name Cucumber seed tapeworm Dog - Rabbit tapeworm

Definitive host Dog, cat, rarely humans Dog

Intermediate host Fleas, lice Rabbits 12

Small; 0.2–0.8 meters (0.6–2.6 feet) Large; 0.6–2 meters (1.9–6.6 feet)
Size
Structure of head
Small rostellum (attachment device) armed with many Large rostellum with a double row of large hooks;
small hooks; rostellum is surrounded by 4 suckers rostellum is surrounded by 4 suckers

Oblong (resemble cucumber seed), with two sets of Mature proglottids are square to rectangular, with a
Structure of mature/
reproductive organs opening into bilateral pores; single set of reproductive organs opening into
gravid proglottids
proglottids are often motile. Dried proglottids resemble alternating unilateral pores. Gravid proglottids tend to
(tapeworm segments)
rice grains. be rectangular and more elongated.
Individual eggs consist of a hexacanth embryo within a
Individual eggs consist of a hexacanth (6-hooked) embryo radially striated embryophore. Eggs (30–40 μm) are
within a thin embryophore (shell); individual eggs are usually passed individually in feces. Eggs of T. pisiformis
Structure of eggs *A similar
contained in packets of 3–30 eggs. Egg packets (200–300 cannot be distinguished from eggs of other Taenia spp.,
tapeworm,
μm) are passed in feces or retained within proglottids. or from those of Echinococcus spp. Taenia (syn.
Hydatigera)
Zoonotic potential Yes, usually small children No

Both Dipylidium and Taenia tapeworms are generally nonpathogenic to dogs or cats. Rarely, heavy
Disease potential in dogs infections can cause soft or diarrheic feces, restlessness, abdominal pain, dull coat, and excessive grooming of the
or cats perineum due to pruritus. Dipylidium caninum can infect humans, particularly small children, resulting in similar
clinical signs.
taeniaeformis infects cats. It resembles T. pisiformis.
Selected tapeworms of veterinary importance

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

 PARASITES FOUND IN FECES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Tapeworm Species Definitive Hosts* Intermediate Hosts Larval Stage; Site of Larval Tapeworm Development
13
Dipylidium caninum Canids, felids, rarely Flea, louse Cysticercoid; body cavity of insects
humans
Taenia pisiformis Canids Rabbits Cysticercus; abdominal cavity and liver of rabbits
Taenia hydatigena Canids Livestock Cysticercus; abdominal cavity and liver of livestock
Taenia ovis Canids Sheep, goats Cysticercus; musculature of intermediate hosts
Taenia multiceps Canids Sheep, cattle, humans Coenurus; brain and spinal cord of intermediate hosts
Taenia serialis Canids Rabbits, rodents, Coenurus; connective tissue of rabbits,
rarely humans rodents and rarely humans
Taenia taeniaeformis Felids Rodents Strobilocercus; liver of rodents
Mesocestoides spp. Canids, felids Coprophilic insect Tetrathyridium in insect or mite and in *All
or mite (1st host); abdominal cavity and liver of vertebrates tapeworms
inhabit the
mammals, reptiles, frogs,
small
birds (2nd host) intestine of
Echinococcus granulosus Canids Livestock, humans Unilocular hydatid cyst; liver, lungs the
definitive
Echinococcus multilocularis Canids, rarely felids Rodents, humans, rarely Multilocular hydatid; liver, lungs
host.
pig, horse
Spirometra mansonoides Felids, canids, Copepods (1st host); Procercoid (body cavity of copepods); plerocercoid
raccoons many verterbrates (body musculature and subcutaneous fascia of
except fish (2nd hosts) vertebrates)
Diphyllobothrium latum Humans, canids, Copepods (1st host); Procercoid (body cavity of copepods); plerocercoid
felids, porcids fish (2nd host); several (abdominal cavity, musculature of fish)
paratenic hosts
Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT – CESTODES
Echinococcus spp.

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

 PARASITES FOUND IN FECES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Eggs of E. granulosus

Adult E. granulosus.
Although E. granulosus
occurs only in the
dog, other species of
Echinococcus appear
in dogs and cats.

Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT – CESTODES

Taenia spp.
 Eggs of T. pisiformis
Note: Cats are host to
other Taenia spp.

Adult T. pisiformis.
Note the difference in 15
segment shape compared to
adult D. caninum.

Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT – NEMATODES

Ancylostoma caninum Ancylostoma caninum

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

 PARASITES FOUND IN FECES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Egg of A. caninum
16
Anterior end of adult A. caninum.
Note the three pairs of ventral teeth.

Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT – NEMATODES

 Ancylostoma tubaeforme

Egg of A. tubaeforme
17

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

 PARASITES FOUND IN FECES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT – NEMATODES

Uncinaria stenocephala Uncinaria stenocephala

18
Egg of U. stenocephala
Note the differences in size between U. stenocephala (upper right) and A. caninum (lower left).
A. caninum
 C A N I N E H O O K W O R M S1,2
Ancylostoma Uncinaria Ancylostoma caninum stenocephala
braziliense
Ingestion of 3rd stage larvae from contaminated environment
Larval penetration of the skin
Infection Ingestion of other vertebrate hosts with infective larvae in their tissues
Transmammary transmission of larvae is an important route of infection for A.
caninum
Prepatent 14 to 21 days
13 to 27 days 13 to 27 days
Period (nursing puppies may shed eggs in 10 to 12 days)

Occurrence Common Uncommon (1%)3 Uncommon

Warm, coastal 19

Locations Worldwide (northern US, Canada, EuropeColder climates ) (also sub and tropical Central & South areas
America & Caribbean

Very pathogenic: Cutaneous larva Pathogenic Rarely pathogenic

anemia migrans
Blood per worm per
adult female: ~40ȝl;
0.3ȝl day

1
1 www.capcvet.org
2
Bowman, DD. Hookworm Parasites of Dogs and Cats.
Compend Contin Educ #2. Vol 14, No. 5, May 1992

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

PARASITES FOUND IN FECES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

adult male: ~13ȝl 1 pair of large;

1 pair of small
Mouthparts 3 pairs of teeth cutting plates
1 to 2ȝl
3
Prevalence of Canine Parasites Based on Fecal Flotation. Blagburn BL et al.
Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet 18: 483-509, 1996
 Embryonated eggs of Physaloptera spp.
( stomach worm ) 20

Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT – NEMATODES

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

 1: T. canis
2: T. leonina

Egg of T. leonina Egg of T. canis

Note the size is about
10 percent smaller
than the T. canis egg.
Egg of T. cati
INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS
 Egg of B. procyonis Egg of T. canis

Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT – NEMATODES

Trichuris vulpis Trichuris vulpis
 Adults of T. vulpis Note how the whip-like anterior ends

Egg of T. vulpis
are laced through the
mucosa.
Giardia spp. Giardia spp.

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

 24
Motile trophozoite of Giardia spp. Cyst of Giardia spp. (iodine stain)
( iodine stain )
* certain assemblages may
infect humans

Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT – PROTOZOA

1: I. canis
2: I. ohioensis
Isospora (Cystoisospora) spp.

Nonsporulated oocysts of I. canis Nonsporulated oocysts of I. ohioensis

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Isospora (Cystoisospora) spp.

26
Nonsporulated oocysts of I. felis Nonsporulated oocysts
of I. rivolta
Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT – PROTOZOA
1: T. gondii 2:
Cryptosporidium spp.

Toxoplasma gondii Cryptosporidium spp.

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Nonsporulated oocysts of T. gondii Sporulated oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp.
Compare the size of T. gondii to I. felis in
the background.
INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS
Parasites of the RESPIRATORY TRACT – TREMATODES
Paragonimus kellicotti

Egg of P. kellicotti . Note the collar surrounding

the operculum. 29
Pearsonema (Capillaria) feliscati Pearsonema (Capillaria) plica
Stained egg of P. feliscati from urinary sedimentation

Egg of a P. plica from urinary sedimentation

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Pseudoparasites
Alternaria spp. 32

Free-living nematode 33

Grain mite egg 34

Pseudoparasites are specimens found in feces or blood that are mistaken for parasites.
( For the purpose of this manual, only examples of pseudoparasites found in feces
are included.) Pseudo parasites can be differ entiated from spurious parasites, which are
parasites of a host other than the host under examination. For example, dogs and
cats often consume feces of other vertebrate animals or consume invertebrates and will
sometimes excrete stages of parasites unique to their prey. Monocystis lumbrici is an
example of a spurious parasite. While it is a true parasite of earthworms, dogs and cats
can ingest earthworms, causing M. lumbrici to appear in fecal examinations.
Planarian 34

Pollen granules 35

Spurious parasite
Alternaria spp.

32
These conidia are common environmental fungal contaminants.
Free-living nematode

These pseudoparasites are often recovered from feces collected

from the ground. Note the bulbed esophagus.
Grain mite egg Planarian
 34
Dogs and cats ingest these eggs by eating mite-infested food. This free-living flatworm is not a parasite but crawls into water

Eggs are often recovered during fecal flotation. dishes kept outside. It can then be ingested and is

sometimes regurgitated by dogs and cats.

Pollen granules Pollen granules

 35
Pine pollen Tree pollen
Monocystis lumbrici or
Rhyncocystis pilosa spores
 36
These spurious parasites often infect earthworms; dogs and cats
may ingest earthworms. In fecal flotations, the spore is similar in
appearance to eggs of T. vulpis, although much smaller.
Feline
Aelurostrongylus abstrusus 38

Ancylostoma tubaeforme 39

Dirofilaria immitis 40

Taenia spp. 41

Toxascaris leonina 42
 Toxocara cati 43

Uncinaria stenocephala 44

Canine
Prepatent period: 7-9 weeks
Patent period: several years
38
ANCYLOSTOMA TUBAEFORME

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Prepatent period: 2-3 weeks
Patent period: can be prolonged depending on immune status A. tubaeforme: The principal routes of transmission are through ingestion and
skin penetration. Parateric transmission occurs rarely, if at all

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

PARASITE LIFE CYCLES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

DIROFILARIA IMMITIS
TAENIA spp.

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

PARASITE LIFE CYCLES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS
INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS
PARASITE LIFE CYCLES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

TOXOCARA CATI
Prepatent period: 3-6 weeks
Patent period: 4-6 months

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

PARASITE LIFE CYCLES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS
ANCYLOSTOMA CANINUM

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

PARASITE LIFE CYCLES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS
 Larvae migrate via lungs to

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

 PARASITE LIFE CYCLES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

o adults in the small i

DIPYLIDIUM CANINUM

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

PARASITE LIFE CYCLES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Adult worms
Prepatent period: 2-3 weeks in small intestine
DIROFILARIA IMMITIS

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

PARASITE LIFE CYCLES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Prepatent period: 6 months Larvae mature into adults in the pulmonary Patent period: several years arteries and the
right heart; female adults

mosquito. A positive blood test will be

achieved after 6–6.5 months, when infective
larvae have matured into adult heartworms.
 Adult worms ECHINOCOCCU

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

PARASITE LIFE CYCLES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS
 Adult worms ECHINOCOCCUS

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

PARASITE LIFE CYCLES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS
TAENIA spp.

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

PARASITE LIFE CYCLES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Prepatent period: 4-10 weeks

TOXASCARIS LEONINA

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

PARASITE LIFE CYCLES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Larvae mature in small intestine,

Prepatent period: 8 weeks adult worms lay eggs
Larvae migrate via liver and lung to Adult worms lay eggs

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

PARASITE LIFE CYCLES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

TOXOCARA CANIS
INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS
PARASITE LIFE CYCLES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

intestine and mature to adults in small intestine

TRICHURIS VULPIS

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

PARASITE LIFE CYCLES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Prepatent period: 8 weeks

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS
• Intestinal parasites are present in all regions of the United States
• How prevalent are the most common canine and feline parasites?
2009 US Canine Parasite Prevalence Survey (n=4,015)
Are you seeing parasite prevalence similar to the national prevalence demonstrated below?
2009 US Feline Parasite Prevalence Survey (N=1,808)
Are you seeing parasite prevalence similar to the national prevalence demonstrated below?
Parasite National Prevalence1
Roundworm 21.6%
Toxacara cati
Hookworm
Ancylostoma tubaeforme 8.6%

1
Blagburn BL: World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology,
Calgary, CANADA, August 9-13, 2009. Sponsored by Bayer Animal Health
Do not underestimate the importance of accurately conducting fecal examinations.
Internal parasites that can be detected by fecal examination remain prevalent in U.S.
dogs and cats; some of these are important zoonotic agents.

The following descriptions will help you choose the most appropriate diagnostic
procedure. You will also find guidelines and techniques to help achieve the greatest
success while conducting these procedures.
 Direct smear 62
Sedimentation 63
Flotation 64
Centrifugation 65

Direct smear The direct smear technique is most appropriate when:

• You suspect protozoa that can be demonstrated as active motile stages (e.g., Giardia or trichomonads).
• You suspect a parasite that passes motile larval stages in feces.
• Flotation solution might distort the parasite stages you wish to detect.

Notes:
Many larvae also can be recovered in a flotation procedure.
The direct smear procedure is convenient and fast, but has low sensitivity due to
the small amount of feces used and the amount of debris on the slide.

Direct smear procedure: 62

1. Apply a small amount of fresh feces to water or saline solution on a slide
and mix thoroughly.
2. Add a coverslip.
3. Examine the entire slide. Thickness of the smear should allow reading
newsprint placed beneath it.

Note:
Iodine can be added to the direct smear at the coverslip margin to stain motile
protozoa, cysts or larvae—or for flotation techniques, the coverslip can be
added to a drop of iodine already placed on the slide.
Sedimentation

The sedimentation procedure is most appropriate when:

• Parasite stages are too heavy to float in standard flotation solutions (e.g., heavy operculated
fluke eggs or larvae of lungworms).
Sample preparation for • Flotation solutions may distort the parasite stages you wish to detect.
sedimentation
Simple straining procedures can
separate large debris from parasites Notes:
and from smaller debris. Centrifuging sedimentation samples can increase test speed and improve performance.
1. Mix feces thoroughly with
water in a clean disposable Some larvae can be recovered in a flotation procedure.
cup. A sedimentation preparation can be difficult to read due to large amounts of
2. Pour the mixture through a debris on the slide.
metal strainer (preferred) or
gauze sponges into a second 63
clean cup.
3. Add the strained mixture to
a tube.

Sedimentation procedure:
1. Centrifuge or let preparation stand until sediment forms.
2. Remove most of the liquid above the sediment.

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

3. Plac 1.20, measured with a hydrometer.
• Common parasite eggs have specific gravities between 1.06 and 1.20.
ea • Remember that simple flotation may underestimate or misdiagnose low parasite burdens.
dro
p of Sample preparation for flotation
Simple straining procedures can separate large debris from parasites and from smaller debris.
the
1. Mix feces thoroughly with flotation solution in a clean disposable cup. Try to use at least 1 gram of fresh feces (a cube about 1⁄2
sedi inch on each side; a fecal loop sample is about 0.1 gram).
men 2. Pour the mixture through a metal strainer (preferred) or gauze sponges into a second clean cup.
t on 3. Add the strained mixture to a tube.
a Simple flotation is most appropriate when:
slide • You want better sensitivity than can be provided in a direct smear.
,
then • A centrifuge is not available or feasible.
add
a Notes:
cov Simple flotation improves sensitivity over direct smear when a small amount of
ersli feces is being tested.
p Simple flotation provides less sensitivity than flotation using centrifugation.
and
exa
min
e.
Flotation solution
guidelines
• Desired specific gravity of a
fecal flotation solution is 1.18–
 Simple flotation procedure:
1. Mix feces and flotation solution (see sidebar at left) and pour into a tube.
2. Add flotation solution to form a meniscus.
3. Add coverslip and wait 15 minutes.
4. Remove coverslip, place on slide and examine.
Comparison of Common Fecal Flotation Techniques for the Recovery of
Parasite Eggs and Oocysts
64
M. W. Dryden, P. A. Payne, R. Ridley, and V. Smith
Centrifugal A variety of procedures are available to detect parasite eggs or oocysts in feces. This study compared
the efficacy of simple flotation, a commercial assay, and various centrifugation techniques and three
Flotation common flotation solutions. Results indicate that centrifugation consistently recovered more eggs
than other methods. Proper technique is critical, including ensuring that the specific gravity of the
flotation solution is correct and allowing the sample to stand for a sufficient amount of time before
1
examining the coverslip. Because of the zoonotic health risks of many companion animal parasites,
Dryden MW et al. "Comparison of veterinarians and their staff should better utilize fecal examinations in their routine diagnostic plan.
common fecal flotation techniques for the 65
recovery of parasite eggs and oocysts."
Veterinary Therapeutics Vol. 6, No. 1, Spring 2005
Veterinary Therapeutics.
2005: 6(1): 15-21.
Intestinal parasites can be difficult to diagnose.
In a recent study1 comparing direct smear, Ovassay, and centrifugation techniques, the results showed a wide
disparity in how often each test failed to detect the eggs:

Technique Whipworm Roundworm Hookworm

false negatives false negatives false negatives

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

 gauze sponges into a second clean cup.
Direct smear 92.61% 85.38%
3. Add the strained mixture to a tube.
72.82%
Ovassay Centrifugal flotation
32.02% is most appropriate
25.88% when:
4.85%
• Sensitivity is the most important criteria in selecting a fecal examination procedure.
Centrifugation 4.93%
Notes: 10.53% 0.97%
Increased
Note the reduction of whipworm false negatives test
when sensitivity
comparing willsmear
direct improve accuracy in recovering fecal stages from animals with
to centrifugation..
low parasite burdens.
Centrifugal flotation
Centrifugal flotation is the most sensitive fecal concentration procedure available to the
Flotation solution
guidelines veterinarian.
• Desired specific gravity of a fecal
flotation solution is 1.18–1.20, Centrifugal flotation procedure with a swinging bucket centrifuge:
measured with a hydrometer.
• Common parasite eggs have 1. Mix feces and flotation solution (see sidebar at left) and pour into a centrifuge tube.
specific gravities between 1.06 2. Place sample in centrifuge tube holder.
and 1.20.
3. Add flotation solution to form a meniscus and place a coverslip on the tube.
Sample preparation for 66
flotation 4. Spin at 1,200 rpm for 10 minutes.
Simple straining procedures can 5. Stop centrifuge, remove coverslip, place on slide and examine.
separate large debris from parasites
and from smaller debris. Centrifugal flotation procedure with a fixed-angle centrifuge:
1. Mix feces thoroughly with flota 1. Mix feces and flotation solution (see sidebar at left) and pour into a centrifuge tube,
tion solution in a clean filling to within 1/2 to 1 inch of the top.
disposable cup. Try to use at
least 1 gram of fresh feces (a 2. Place sample in centrifuge tube holder.
cube about 1⁄2 inch on each 3. Spin at 1,200 rpm for 5 minutes.
side; a fecal loop sample is
about 0.1 gram).
4. Stop centrifuge, place sample upright in a tube holder and add flotation solution to
2. Pour the mixture through a
form a meniscus.
metal strainer (preferred) or 5. Add a coverslip and let stand for 10 minutes.
6. Remove coverslip, place on slide and examine.

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Common fecal flotation solutions
 Preparation
Flotation Specific Gravity (hot water) Comments
Water 1.00 (standard for Not applicable Not applicable
comparison)

Sodium chloride 1.20 approx. 400 g/liter Inexpensive; forms crystals on slide. 67

Sodium nitrate 1.18–1.20 approx. 400 g/liter Good all-purpose solution; forms crystals on slide.

Zinc sulfate 1.18–1.20 approx. 371 g/liter Good all-purpose solution; excellent for protozoa. Best
general-purpose specific gravity = 1.18–1.20; forms crystals
on slide.
1.29 approx. 700 g/liter Will levitate heavy debris and parasites. Forms
crystals more rapidly.
Magnesium sulfate 1.27 approx. 500 g/liter Good all-purpose solution.
Will levitate heavy debris and parasites.
Sheather’s sucrose 1.27 approx. 1,278 g/liter Excellent all-purpose solution; Add 6 ml phenol or formaldehyde to
inhibit microbial growth; sticky solution attracts flies and other
pests; this viscosity requires longer incubation time in simple
flotation. Does not crystallize or distort specimens if samples are
held.

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

parasites of companion animals*
Parasite Common Name Specific Gravity

Ancylostoma spp. hookworm 1.06

Physaloptera spp. stomach worm 1.24

Taenia spp. taeniid tapeworm 1.23

Toxocara canis canine roundworm 1.09

Toxocara cati feline roundworm 1.10

Trichuris vulpis canine whipworm 1.15

*Modified from Payne PA and Dryden MW. DVM Best Practices, March 2003, pp. 8–11. 68
The Companion Animal Parasite Counsel (CAPC) is an independent counsel of U.S. veterinary, governmental, and association thought leaders
brought together to create guidelines for optimal control of internal and external parasites. These guidelines have been developed to protect the
health of pets, enhance the safety of the public, and preserve the bond between pets and people. Veterinarians and pet owners must take measures
to protect pets from parasitic infections. Veterinarians, pet owners, and physicians should work together to reduce the risks associated with zoonotic

GUIDELINES FOR CONTROLLING PARASITES IN DOGS AND CATS

transmission of parasitic diseases. Important preventive measures include:
practicing good personal hygiene; controlling pet parasite infections through internal
and external parasite treatment and control; minimizing exposure of children to
potentially contaminated environments; cleaning up pet feces regularly to reduce
environmental contamination with infective parasite stages; and understanding and
communicating parasitic infection risks and effective control measures.

For more information on CAPC, go to www.capcvet.org.

Administer year-round treatment with broadspectrum • Tailor parasite prevention programs to geographic, seasonal and
heartworm anthelmintics that have activity against lifestyle factors.
parasites with zoonotic potential.
Administer preventive flea and/or tick products as soon
after birth as possible (consistent with label claims) for the
life of the pet.
• Conduct annual physical examination with complete history.
• Conduct periodic (annual is ideal) heartworm infection
testing in dogs and periodic testing in cats.
• Feed pets cooked or prepared food (not raw meat) and
provide fresh, potable water.
• Conduct fecal examinations two to four times during the first
year of life and one to two times per year in adults, depending
on patient health and lifestyle factors.
• Administer anthelmintic treatment of puppies at 2, 4, 6 and 8
weeks of age, followed by administration of a
monthly preventive. 70

• Administer biweekly anthelmintic treatment of kittens

between 3 and 9 weeks of age, followed by administration of
a monthly preventive.
• Treat nursing bitches and queens along with their offspring.
In the absence of optimal year-round heartworm For additional resources please visit the
preventive/intestinal parasite combination products, use
the following protocol: following websites:
• Deworm puppies and kittens at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age and then
again monthly until 6 months of age.
www.students.novartis.us
• In kittens, begin biweekly anthelmintic treatment between 3 and 9 www.growingupwithpets.com
weeks of age and then treat monthly until 6 months of age.
www.ah.novartis.com
• Conduct fecal examinations two to four times a year in adult pets,
depending on patient health and lifestyle factors, and treat with www.heartwormsociety.org
appropriate parasiticides. 71
• Test for heartworm status yearly in dogs and/or before starting www.capcvet.org www.cdc.gov
preventive medications.
 Life Pseudoparasites Identification
Parasites Identification Cycles 32
Acanthocheilonema (Dipetalonema) reconditum 6 Alternaria spp. 33
Aelurostrongylus abstrusus 28 38 Free-living nematode 34
Ancylostoma caninum 16 45 Grain mite egg 34
Ancylostoma tubaeforme 17 39 Planarium 35
Baylisascaris procyonis 22 46 Pollen granules 72
Cryptosporidium spp. 27 Identification
Dipylidium caninum 10 47 Spurious Parasite
Dirofilaria immitis 7 40,48
Echinococcus granulosus 14 49 Monocystis lumbrici or
Echinococcus multilocularis 14 50 Rhynococystis pilosa spore 36
Eucoleus (Capillaria) aerophila 28
Giardia spp. 24
Isospora (Cystoisospora) spp. 25
Paragonimus kellicotti 29
Pearsonema (Capillaria) feliscati 30
Pearsonema (Capillaria) plica 30
Physaloptera spp. 20
Taenia spp. 15 41,51
Toxascaris leonina 21 42,52
Toxocara canis 21 53
Toxocara cati 21 43
Toxoplasma gondii 27
Trichuris vulpis 23 54
Uncinaria stenocephala 18 44,55