Veterinary Parasitology exam questions: topics, study tips and free sample questions

Answer: A. Permethrin toxicity in cats is relatively common occurrence after being treated with a concentrated permethrin-containing flea product labeled for dogs. Rx with METHOCARBIMOL (Robaxin ) a centrally- acting muscle relaxant and if needed, with seizure control (ie: diazepam, pentobarbitol, or inhalant anesthesia). UNLIKE OPP/carbamate toxicities, DO NOT Rx permethrin toxicity with Atropine. Big DDXs are Organophosphate (OPP) toxicity, and Carbamate toxicity which look similar. With OPP and Carbamates, may see MIOSIS, UNlike permethrin/pyrethroid toxicity. D-Limonene is a citrus-based anti-flea

Answer: D. In the pregnant female, dormant larvae of roundworms (Toxocara canis) mobilize and migrate into the developing fetus. Puppies as young as one week old may have roundworm larvae in their intestines. Pups may also be infected via milk, because some roundworm larvae migrate to the mammary gland. Finally, the immunity of the bitch to ascarid infection is partly suppressed during the perinatal period and large numbers of ascarid eggs can be passed in feces, contaminating the environment in which the puppies live. Note that hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum)can also be transmitted to puppies via the colostrum and milk.

Answer: B. Parascaris equorum typically infects foals early in life orally, migrating through the liver and lungs en route to the gastrointestinal tract. The resulting verminous pneumonia can lead to respiratory signs (e.g., "summer colds"). Gastrointestinal infection can result in unthriftiness, colic, intestinal obstruction, and even intestinal perforation. Due to widespread persistent environmental contamination and the ability of this parasite to cause pathology during its prepatent period, it is important to preemptively treat foals at risk for infection.