Jun 13, 2022

Heterobilharzia americana infection in dogs

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review Heterobilharzia americana (HA) infections in dogs. HA is a trematode parasite that can infect our canine patients, causing a condition known as schistosomiasis and potentially severe granulomatous disease. We know that specific snails are the intermediate host, and that dogs swimming in freshwater lakes or streams are often exposed to the free cercariae that have been released by an infected snail. The organisms infect the dog by dermal penetration, and can then migrate via the bloodstream to cause damage elsewhere and eventually to mate. Specifically, the organisms move to the liver and to the lungs, where they sexually mature into adult parasites. These adults can move via the portal system, and they mate and release fertilized eggs in the mesenteric veins. Enzymes facilitate transport of the eggs into the intestines, and they are ultimately excreted in the feces. To round out this process, a new stage of the organism, the flagellated miracidia, is released from the eggs to infect snails if the feces comes in contact with fresh water. And so the cycle continues! You may be wondering what this infection looks like in dogs. When should this be on a clinician’s radar, how do we test for it, and what does the diagnosis mean for patient care? Rather than diving into the full clinical details of this disease now, instead we will discuss a fascinating study by Graham et al entitled Heterobilharzia americana infection in dogs: A retrospective study of 60 cases (2010-2019) that sought to provide an updated description of the clinical findings, treatment responses, and outcome of dogs diagnosed with HA.

Jun 3, 2022

Putting Cats on the Path to Good Hydration with Dr. Andrew Sparkes

June 2022 In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education blog sponsored by Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements, Dr. Andy Sparkes, BVetMed, PhD, DECVIM-CA, MANZCVS, MRCVS will review the importance of good hydration in our feline patients. Please note the opinions in this blog are the expressed opinion of the author and not directly endorsed by

Apr 25, 2022

Heartworm Treatment: When the Perfect Protocol Isn’t Followed with Dr. Andy Moorhead

In today's VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we discuss what to do when treating heartworm disease in dogs, especially when the "perfect protocol" isn't followed. In an ideal world, no dogs would get heartworms — and if they DID get infected, they would be given the full course of treatment recommended by organizations like the American Heartworm Society — including a course of doxycycline and a heartworm preventive followed by a series of three melarsomine injections. In the real world, circumstances lead many dogs with heartworms to be treated with less-than-optimal protocols. The question for veterinarians is, what do they need to know about management of these patients when they are adopted and find their way to your exam room? To discuss this, we are joined today by Dr. Andy Moorhead, who is a veterinary parasitologist and an assistant professor on the faculty of the University of Georgia. He also serves on the board of directors for the American Heartworm Society. Today’s VETgirl podcast is brought to you by the American Heartworm Society, whose mission it is to lead the veterinary profession and the public in the understanding of heartworm disease. Every three years, the AHS sponsors its Triennial Heartworm Symposium—a premier CE event that draws speakers and attendees from around the world to the New Orleans Ritz Carlton Hotel. An early-bird discount in registration fees is available to attendees who register by July 15th. The 2022 symposium will be held September 8th through the 11th.

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