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Advanced Small Animal Parasitology – PARA5220

Instructor
Susan Little, DVM, PhD
Associate Professor, Medical Microbiology and Parasitology
Room 2203A College of Veterinary Medicine
542-8447/slittle@vet.uga.edu

Course description
This elective course covers essential elements of parasitology important for small animal veterinary practitioners.  The course, which consists of 10 lectures and 5 hands-on laboratories, is taught in a case-based format and introduces students to practical aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the major small animal parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Giardia, etc…).

Prerequisite
Successful completion of PARA5200, Veterinary Parasitology.

Course objectives
Upon completion of PARA5220, students will understand the current approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of small animal parasites of dogs and cats including intestinal helminths and protozoa, heartworm, and ectoparasites (fleas, ticks, mites).  Students will also be introduced to parasites of major exotic pet species and gain some familiarity with special client considerations in small animal parasitology.

Topic Outline

• Intestinal parasites, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs and cats
• Diagnostic strategies for intestinal parasites of dogs and cats
• Use of anthelmintics and antiprotozoals in dogs and cats
• Heartworm diagnosis in the dog and cat
• Heartworm treatment and prevention in the dog and cat
• Diagnosis of arthropod infestations in dogs and cats
• Diagnosing and treating important tick borne diseases
• Current approaches to preventing flea and tick infestations in dogs and cats
• Identification and treatment of parasites of exotic pets
• Special client considerations in small animal parasitology (working with the immune suppressed client; pets, parasites, and children; cost issues in small animal parasite control )

Course assignments
Students will be expected to participate in class discussions of parasite cases and in hands-on laboratory sessions held during class time.  Some preparation prior to the discussion sessions will also be expected (review of lecture notes and assigned readings).

Course requirements and grading
Attendance and participation in class discussions – 25%
Attendance and participation in laboratory sessions – 25%
Final examination (case-based) – 50%

Attendance policy
Attendance is required at all discussions and laboratory sessions.  A limited number of absences can be arranged in advance through the course instructor and the Academic Affairs office.  Grading is based largely on both attendance and participation.

Required course material
No textbook is required.  Notes and readings will be provided by the course instructor.  Additional reference books will be on reserve in the reading room.

Required statements:
Students are expected to abide by the academic honesty policies and guidelines outlined in the College of Veterinary Medicine Student Handbook.

The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary.

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