Articles
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Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the infectious bacterial organism Anaplasma phagocytophilum. It is transmitted through bites of the deer tick (also known as the black-legged tick) and the Western black-legged tick.
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Capillaria is a small internal parasite that is closely related to intestinal worms, though they can live in a variety of locations within the body. Diagnosis can be difficult because the eggs intermittently. Dogs acquire Capillaria infections from the environment. This handout outlines diagnosis, treatments, and prevention.
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Cheyletiellosis is an uncommon but highly contagious skin parasite of dogs, cats, humans, and rabbits, caused by Cheyletiella mites. The most important clinical sign is scaling or dandruff. Cheyletiella mites are susceptible to most topical insecticides and the prognosis is excellent.
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Coccidiosis is an intestinal tract infection caused by a single-celled organism (protozoa) called coccidia. Coccidia are microscopic parasites that live within the cells that line the intestine. The most common clinical sign of coccidiosis is diarrhea, but most dogs have no clinical signs.
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Cryptosporidium is a single-celled parasite that causes gastrointestinal infection in humans and animals. It can contaminate food, soil, or any other surface. Signs such as diarrhea and weight loss may only be seen in immunosuppressed patients, including puppies.
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Cuterebra is the scientific name of the North American rabbit or rodent botfly. Cuterebra larvae burrow into the skin of certain animal hosts, leaving a small hole in the skin that can become infected. Signs and treatment are discussed.
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Demodectic mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites (Demodex canis or Demodex injal) that live in the hair follicles of dogs. These mites occur normally in dogs, and cause no harm if the body's immune system is functioning properly. Topical and oral medications are available to treat demodectic mange.
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The ear mite is a surface mite that lives on cats, dogs, rabbits, and ferrets. It is usually found in the ear canal, but can also live on the skin surface. Mites are barely visible to the naked eye. Clinical signs of infestation may include ear irritation leading to scratching at the ears or head shaking, dark discharge from the ear, areas of hair loss from self-trauma, a crusted rash around or in the ear, or aural hematoma.
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Echinococcosis refers to being infected with a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus and is primarily a parasite of coyotes and foxes. Infected dogs are usually asymptomatic, but in both dogs and humans the parasite can cause large cysts to form within the lungs and liver. E.multilocularis is treated with praziquantel and in most cases the prognosis is good.
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Flea allergy dermatitis is a common cause of allergic reactions in dogs. The antigens in flea saliva cause an intensely itchy response in sensitive dogs. Itching and hair loss in the region from the middle of the back to the tail base and down the rear legs (the flea triangle) is often associated with this allergy. Strict flea control is essential for treatment and prevention.