Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Typescript. / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Despite the popularity of companion animal ownership in Australia, recent and comprehensive information with regard to the prevalence, epidemiology and public health significance associated with gastrointestinal parasites of pet dogs and cats in Australia is largely lacking. The primary aims of this study were to close this knowledge gap and to evaluate the veterinarian’s perception, awareness and knowledge of GI parasites in their locality, from a veterinary and public health stand-point. This included sourcing information with regard to commonly recommended deworming protocols. The awareness of pet owners regarding parasitic zoonoses and the degree of education provided to them by veterinarians was also determined. A total of 1400 canine and 1063 feline faecal samples were collected from veterinary clinics and refuges from across Australia. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs and cats was 23.9% (CI 21.7-26.1) and 18.4% (CI 16.1-20.7), respectively. Overall Giardia duodenalis was the most prevalent parasite in dogs (9.3%, CI 7.8-10.8) followed by hookworm (6.7%, CI 5.4-8.0). Isospora felis was the most prevalent parasite in cats (5.6%, CI 4.2-7.0), followed by Toxocara cati (3.2%, CI 2.1-4.3). A highly sensitive and species-specific PCR-RFLP technique was utilized to differentiate the various hookworm species which can infect dogs and cats directly from eggs in faeces. Ancylostoma ceylanicum was detected for the first time in Australia in 10.9% of the dogs found positive for hookworm. This was a significant finding in terms of the zoonotic risk associated with this parasite. The zoonotic potential of Giardia and Cryptosporidium was investigated by genetically characterising isolates recovered from dogs and cats. All but one of the Giardia isolates successfully genotyped were host specific, indicating a low zoonotic risk. It was hypothesized that the lack of zoonotic Giardia Assemblages was a consequence of there being a low prevalence of Giardia in the human population. The Cryptosporidium recovered from dogs and cats was determined to be Cryptosporidium canis and Cryptosporidium felis respectively, a finding which supports growing evidence that Cryptosporidium in companion animals is of limited public health significance to healthy people. Very few of the veterinarians surveyed in the study routinely discussed the zoonotic potential of pet parasites with clients. Most of the veterinarians recommended the regular prophylactic administration of anthelmintics throughout a pet’s life. The low national prevalence of GI parasites reported is most likely a consequence of the widespread use of anthelmintics by pet owners. There is an over-reliance on anthelmintics by veterinarians to prevent and control parasites and their zoonotic risk. This has resulted in veterinarians becoming complacent about educating pet owners about parasites. A combination of routinely screening faecal samples for parasites, strategic anthelmintic regimes and improved pet owner education is recommended for the control of GI parasites in pet dogs and cats in Australia.

The purpose of this study was to compare the heart rates of dogs presenting with spontaneous atrial fibrillation (AF) by a surface electrocardiogram (ECG) and a 24 hour ambulatory ECG (Holter recording) in order to determine if there was a difference between these two diagnostic tests. Seven dogs with clinically stable, spontaneous AF were evaluated with a 6 lead surface ECG (MAC 5000, GE® Milwaukee) and a Holter monitor (Monitor device: LifecardCE Delmar Reynolds Medical, Holter analysis:Aria Holter software). Statistical analyses, including t-tests and linear regression models, were performed using Stata® data-analysis and statistical software. When heart rates (bpm) determined by both diagnostic testing methods were compared individually and among all of the dogs, no statistically significant differences were found. Complete data for analysis were available in 4 of the 7 dogs. This study demonstrates that despite the potential superiority of Holter monitoring relative to the surface ECG for the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias, average heart rates were not statistically different in these 4 dogs with controlled AF. Therefore, the average HR determined by surface ECG in the hospital may be as reliable as the average HR determined by Holter monitoring in dogs with well controlled spontaneous AF.

Thesis (M.A.) - Simon Fraser University, 2006. / Theses (Faculty of Education) / Simon Fraser University. Also issued in digital format and available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio State University, 2009. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 44-54).

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniv., 2009. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Thesis (MMedVet (Med) (Veterinary Science))--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print format.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oregon State University, 2010. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 90-96). Also available on the World Wide Web.