Apparent tick paralysis by Otobius megnini in a cat.

In this study, we report a rare case of tick paralysis in a cat induced by Otobius megnini infestation. An 11-month-old female cat was admitted to a private veterinary clinic in Luling Texas, USA presenting with depression, tachycardia, and flaccid paralysis of the entire body. The four recovered ticks were morphologically and molecularly identified as O. megnini nymphs. Following initial tick removal and treatment with 0.1% milbemycin oxime in the ear canal on the first day of hospitalization, and additional tick removal and topical selamectin treatment on the second day of hospitalization the animal gradually improved. The recovery of the cat after tick removal supports the diagnosis of tick toxicosis. While tick antiserum is not available in North America, prevention of tick infestation and tick-induced paralysis can be effectively accomplished using repellent collars and the compliant use of other ectoparasiticide products year-round.

Probe-based qPCR as an alternative to modified Knott's test when screening dogs for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in combination with antigen detection tests.

BACKGROUND: Current recommendations for diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs rely on the detection of antigen produced largely by adult females coupled with the visualization of microfilariae (mf) in the circulation via a microfilaria detection test (MFDT). It is hypothesized that qPCR assays used in parallel with antigen detection tests will perform better in detecting mf than modified Knott's test (MK), when combined with antigen detection. This study compares probe-based qPCR and MK techniques for mf detection used in parallel with the DiroCHEK® antigen test to screen for heartworm infection in shelter dogs. METHODS: Matching blood and serum samples were collected from 300 shelter dogs in Brazos and Harris counties, Texas, USA. Blood was assessed for the presence of mf via MK and the presence of D. immitis DNA by a species-specific probe-based qPCR assay. Serum samples were tested for the presence of heartworm antigen using DiroCHEK® before and after immune complex dissociation (ICD) via heat treatment. In addition, the performance of each diagnostic test was evaluated via Chi-square test, Cochran's Q test, and post hoc analysis. RESULTS: Qualitatively, MK detected mf in 22.0% (66/300) of samples, 55 of which were morphologically identified as D. immitis and 11 as Acanthocheilonema reconditum. The range of heartworm mf was 28 to 88,803 mf/ml (median: 6627.5). Real-time PCR detected D. immitis DNA in 20.7% (62/300) of samples. Heartworm antigen was detected in 24.7% (74/300) of samples pre-ICD, and in 29.3% (88/300) post-ICD. When comparing tests, the Chi-square and McNemar's tests showed that the difference between positive and negative proportions was statistically significant. The Cochran test showed the difference in the distributions of cases and non-cases was significant when individual tests were combined (χ2 = 62.3, df = 3, P < 0.0001) and when parallel methods were combined (χ2 = 43.1, df = 4, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Considering individual and combined test performances, practicality, and efficient use of bench time, this heartworm-specific probe-based qPCR method is a viable option as a mf detection test to be used in parallel with antigen tests for canine heartworm infection in diagnostic and research settings.

Endoparasites of pet reptiles and amphibians from exotic pet shows in Texas, United States.

Reptiles and amphibians are becoming increasingly more common in the exotic pet trade and as such veterinary care is also rising. Parasitic infections can pose a serious threat to pet reptiles and amphibians and are a common finding in these exotic pets. The purpose of the present study was to determine the species composition of parasites among reptiles and amphibians entering the pet industry. Excreta were collected from 283 reptiles and amphibians (181 geckos, 23 chameleons, 21 frogs, 16 tortoises, 11 snakes, 1 caiman, and 31 other lizard species), representing 58 different species. Samples were collected from animals being sold at exotic pet shows in Texas, USA, where breeders from throughout the United States gathered to showcase their exotic pets. Excreta samples were tested using double centrifugation flotation with Sheather's sucrose solution. Endoparasites were identified in 51.9% of samples. The most prevalent helminth parasite among reptiles and amphibians were Pharyngodonidae (44.5%) nematodes. Oocysts of coccidians such as Isospora, Eimeria, and Choleoeimeria, and cysts of the ciliate Nyctotherus were also identified. The prevalence rates of endoparasites among animal groups ranged from 0 to 87.5%. The highest prevalence of infection was found in Testudines (87.5%), followed by Chamaeleonidae (87%), other lizards (76.7%), Amphibia (71.4%), Serpentes (63.6%), and then Gekkonidae (55.2%). No endoparasites were detected in the one Crocodylia sampled. Our results show that parasitic infections, many of which can cause clinical disease and mortality, are common in exotic reptiles and amphibians being sold or traded as pets in the United States, underlining the need for veterinary care and routine diagnostic screening for parasitic infections.

FATAL FASCIOLOIDES MAGNA IN A LESSER SPOT-NOSED GUENON (CERCOPITHECUS PETAURISTA).

A 4-yr-old male intact lesser spot-nosed guenon (Cercopithecus petaurista), housed at a North American zoological facility, presented with acute lethargy, inappetence, and mild neurologic signs. Physical examination revealed hemorrhagic pleural effusion in the right hemithorax. This guenon's condition improved over several days but then deteriorated, and the guenon presented with lethargy and weakness. A hemorrhagic pleural effusion was identified within the left hemithorax. The guenon developed respiratory and cardiac arrest while anesthetized. Gross examination revealed tract formation in the liver, adhesions of the liver to the diaphragm, hemorrhagic thoracic and abdominal effusion, and a single trematode within the right hemithorax. Morphologic features and species identification by PCR confirmed that the parasite was Fascioloides magna. Histologic examination revealed tract formation in the liver associated with biliary hyperplasia, fibrosis and hepatic necrosis, severe bile peritonitis, and pleuritis. This is the first report of an infection by F. magna in a primate.