Title: Identify parasites that commonly affect animals.
Course: Veterinary Science II (18105-II) > Section: Understanding Parasitology

Identification should include

- endoparasites (e.g., heartworm; ascarids, or roundworms; hookworms; whipworms; tapeworms; giardia; coccidia) during different developmental stages
- ectoparasites (e.g., fleas, mites, ticks, Cuterebra) at different developmental stages
- parasites with zoonotic potential
- the life cycle of parasites and its relationship to parasitic infestation, detection, and treatment including targeted prevention strategies.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What distinguishing characteristics are used to identify parasites?
- Why is it difficult to determine if an animal has an internal parasite?
- What techniques are commonly used to check for fleas?
- Why should a dog that tests positive for heartworms not continue taking a heartworm preventive?
- Why are fecal samples important when diagnosing internal parasites?
- What are the similarities and differences between the indirect and direct life cycles of parasites?