Blood protozoa findings in pet dogs screened in Ipoh, Malaysia

A total of 103 blood samples from pet dogs around Ipoh were screened for common blood protozoa. A total of 14 samples were found positive for Erhlichia canis and one sample was found positive for microfilaria of Dirofilaria immitis. Both these diseases are transmitted by vectors; ticks (Rhipicephalus sangiuneus) and mosquitoes respectively. In the hot and wet tropical environment where vectors are abundant, pet care, hygiene and regular screening will help veterinarians detect these infections early to facilitate treatment

The effects of mixed infection of strongyles in experimental animals in the Veterinary Research Institute

This paper reports the relationship between mixed infections of strongyles with fecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV) of the blood and FAMACHA in experimental sheep in VRI. The third larval stage (L3) of strongylid nematode were fed orally to two experimental sheep. Each animal was given 3 ml L3 or equivalent to 3000 larvae. Faecal samples were then collected weekly for a 10 week duration. The FAMACHA scale for anemia estimation was used and blood collection through ear tip was also done twice a week to measure the packed cell volume (PCV) of the blood. The results show that the PCV decreases while faecal egg counts increase over the study period. The FAMACHA scale also increases with time indicating a progressive anemia with the decreasing PCV. As helminth infections are common in small ruminants, the effects of anemia are critical parameters to be monitored in any flock as this will determine its productivity in terms of mortality and morbidity

Vector borne blood protozoa in pet dogs from Ipoh, Malaysia

A total of 103 pet dogs of various breeds were screened for blood protozoans by thin and thick blood smear and 15 dogs were found to harbor microfilaria of Dirofilaria immitis and Erhlichia canis. Other parasites such as Leishmania, Babesia or Trypanosoma were not found indicating good tick or insect management