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Immonen H, Raekallio M, Holmström AR. Promoting veterinary medication safety - Exploring the competencies of community pharmacy professionals in veterinary pharmacotherapy. Vet Anim Sci 2023; 21:100310. [PMID: 37664413 PMCID: PMC10468355 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2023.100310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The science of veterinary medicine is currently lacking studies on medication safety, although its importance in protecting animals from medication errors is central. Pharmacy professionals have an important role in ensuring medication safety of both prescription and over-the-counter medications of animals. However, this requires adequate competencies of pharmacy professionals in veterinary pharmacotherapy. The present study aimed to explore the competencies of pharmaceutical staff in community pharmacies in veterinary pharmacotherapy, which factors influence these competencies and what kind of information sources they typically use on veterinary pharmacotherapy. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional online survey targeted to pharmacy professionals in the Finnish community pharmacies, providing 596 responses. Less than half of the respondents (41%, n = 246) are considered to possess good competencies in veterinary pharmacotherapy. A third of the respondents (35%, n = 211) would dispense an anti-inflammatory drug for an animal off-label, whereas 24% (n = 145) would not interview the pet owner to discover the need for internal parasite medication before dispensing the drug. A small proportion (<1%, n = 5) would have dispensed a broad-spectrum internal parasite medication. Approximately a quarter of the respondents (27%, n = 159) stated that they acquired information on pharmacotherapy only from the material produced by the manufacturers of veterinary drugs. The competencies of pharmacy professionals in veterinary pharmacotherapy need to be strengthened in many areas to better promote veterinary medication safety. It should also be ensured that pharmacy professionals can access and use independent, high-quality information on veterinary pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Immonen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Division of pharmacology and pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00014, Finland
| | - M.R. Raekallio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Koetilantie 2, 00014, Finland
| | - A-R. Holmström
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Division of pharmacology and pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00014, Finland
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Koetilantie 2, 00014, Finland
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Elimination of probable praziquantel-resistant Dipylidium caninum with nitroscanate in a mixed-breed dog: a case report. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:438. [PMID: 36419194 PMCID: PMC9682756 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05559-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treating the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum in dogs; however, resistance is possible, and regular, non-targeted administration of praziquantel may select for anthelminthic-resistant populations. METHODS The zinc sulfate fecal floatation procedure was conducted. Gross visualization was used to identify Dipylidium spp. segments, and capsule endoscopy was used to visualize adult tapeworms within the intestinal tract. RESULTS An 18-month-old spayed female terrier mix was presented due to diarrhea, hematochezia and weight loss. The dog received appropriate anthelmintic therapy for Giardia spp., Ancylostoma spp. and Dipylidium spp. The dog's clinical signs resolved, and elimination of Ancylostoma spp. was confirmed by subsequent fecal analysis. However, Dipylidium spp. segments were repeatedly present in the stool. Observation of the segments confirmed the presence of adult Dipylidium spp in feces. Treatment with praziquantel and epsiprantel were unsuccessful in eliminating the organism but was apparently successful in flea prevention. A single dose of nitrosconate was administered and eliminated Dipylidium spp. infection in the dog. CONCLUSIONS Nitrosconate can be an effective treatment for praziquantel-resistant dipylidiasis in dogs. The novel application of capsule endoscopy confirmed the anthelmintic efficacy of this treatment.
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The equine ascarids: resuscitating historic model organisms for modern purposes. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2775-2791. [PMID: 35986167 PMCID: PMC9391215 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07627-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The equine ascarids, Parascaris spp., are important nematode parasites of juvenile horses and were historically model organisms in the field of cell biology, leading to many important discoveries, and are used for the study of chromatin diminution. In veterinary parasitology, Parascaris spp. are important not only because they can cause clinical disease in young horses but also because they are the only ascarid parasites to have developed widespread anthelmintic resistance. Despite this, much of the general biology and mechanisms of anthelmintic resistance are poorly understood. This review condenses known basic biological information and knowledge on the mechanisms of anthelmintic resistance in Parascaris spp., highlighting the importance of foundational research programs. Although two variants of this parasite were recognized based on the number of chromosomes in the 1870s and suggested to be two species in 1890, one of these, P. univalens, appears to have been largely forgotten in the veterinary scientific literature over the past 100 years. We describe how this omission has had a century-long effect on nomenclature and data analysis in the field, highlighting the importance of proper specimen identification in public repositories. A summary of important basic biology, including life cycle, in vitro maintenance, and immunology, is given, and areas of future research for the improvement of knowledge and development of new systems are given. Finally, the limited knowledge regarding anthelmintic resistance in Parascaris spp. is summarized, along with caution regarding assumptions that resistance mechanisms can be applied across clades.
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von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Thompson RA, Krücken J, Grant W, Bowman DD, Schnyder M, Deplazes P. Spread of anthelmintic resistance in intestinal helminths of dogs and cats is currently less pronounced than in ruminants and horses - Yet it is of major concern. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2021; 17:36-45. [PMID: 34343829 PMCID: PMC8347694 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Anthelmintic resistance (AR) has thus far only rarely been reported for intestinal helminths of dogs and cats, in contrast to parasites of livestock and horses. We highlight possible reasons for this striking and important discrepancy, including ecological, biological and genetic factors and/or intervention regimens of key intestinal helminths concerning both host groups. In view of the current knowledge related to the genetics, mechanisms and principles of AR development, we point at issues which in our view contribute to a comparatively lower risk of AR development in intestinal helminths of dogs and cats. Finally, we specify research needs and provide recommendations by which, based on the available information about AR in ruminant and equine helminths, the development of AR in dog and cat helminths may best be documented, prevented or at least postponed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Warwick Grant
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Microbiology, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Dwight D Bowman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, USA
| | | | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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Beknazarova M, Whiley H, Traub R, Ross K. Opportunistic Mapping of Strongyloides stercoralis and Hookworm in Dogs in Remote Australian Communities. Pathogens 2020; 9:E398. [PMID: 32455702 PMCID: PMC7281600 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9050398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Both Strongyloides stercoralis and hookworms are common soil-transmitted helminths in remote Australian communities. In addition to infecting humans, S. stercoralis and some species of hookworms infect canids and therefore present both environmental and zoonotic sources of transmission to humans. Currently, there is limited information available on the prevalence of hookworms and S. stercoralis infections in dogs living in communities across the Northern Territory in Australia. In this study, 274 dog faecal samples and 11 faecal samples of unknown origin were collected from the environment and directly from animals across 27 remote communities in Northern and Central Australia. Samples were examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for the presence of S. stercoralis and four hookworm species: Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, Ancylostoma braziliense and Uncinaria stenocephala. The prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs was found to be 21.9% (60/274). A. caninum was the only hookworm detected in the dog samples, with a prevalence of 31.4% (86/274). This study provides an insight into the prevalence of S. stercoralis and hookworms in dogs and informs future intervention and prevention strategies aimed at controlling these parasites in both dogs and humans. A "One Health" approach is crucial for the prevention of these diseases in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meruyert Beknazarova
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (H.W.); (K.R.)
| | - Harriet Whiley
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (H.W.); (K.R.)
| | - Rebecca Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Kirstin Ross
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (H.W.); (K.R.)
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Raza A, Rand J, Qamar AG, Jabbar A, Kopp S. Gastrointestinal Parasites in Shelter Dogs: Occurrence, Pathology, Treatment and Risk to Shelter Workers. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:E108. [PMID: 30004469 PMCID: PMC6070783 DOI: 10.3390/ani8070108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs entering shelters can carry gastrointestinal parasites that may pose serious risks to other animals, shelter staff and visitors. Shelters provide an environment that could facilitate the spread of parasitic infections between animals. Nematodes and protozoa that transmit through ingestion or skin penetration are major enteric parasites of concern in shelter settings. Ancylostoma spp., Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis and Dipylidium caninum are the major helminths while Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Isospora spp. and Sarcocystis spp. are the most prevalent protozoan parasites in shelter dogs. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in shelter dogs is typically higher than in owned dogs. A range of cost-effective drugs is available for prevention and control of helminths in shelters, notably fenbendazole, pyrantel, oxantel, and praziquantel. Parasiticide options for protozoan parasites are often cost-prohibitive or limited by a lack of veterinary registration for use in dogs. Environmental control measures reliant upon hygiene and facility management are therefore a mainstay for control and prevention of protozoan parasites in shelters. This philosophy should also extend to helminth control, as integrated parasite control strategies can allow anthelmintics to be used more sparingly and judiciously. The purpose of this article is to comprehensively review the current knowledge on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites most commonly found in dogs in shelters, canvass recommended treatment programs in shelter dogs, and to explore the likelihood that parasiticide resistance might emerge in a shelter environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Raza
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia.
| | - Jacquie Rand
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia.
- Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, Kenmore, QLD 4069, Australia.
| | - Abdul Ghaffar Qamar
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan.
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia.
| | - Steven Kopp
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia.
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Šlapeta J, Dowd SE, Alanazi AD, Westman ME, Brown GK. Differences in the faecal microbiome of non-diarrhoeic clinically healthy dogs and cats associated with Giardia duodenalis infection: impact of hookworms and coccidia. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:585-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Palmer CS, Traub RJ, Robertson ID, Hobbs RP, Elliot A, While L, Rees R, Thompson RCA. The veterinary and public health significance of hookworm in dogs and cats in Australia and the status of A. ceylanicum. Vet Parasitol 2007; 145:304-13. [PMID: 17276602 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2006] [Revised: 12/18/2006] [Accepted: 12/19/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
There is no current information regarding the prevalence of hookworm in Australian dogs and cats and based on the results of studies conducted over 20 years ago, where high prevalences of helminths were recorded, the prophylactic administration of broad spectrum anthelmintics has been advocated. During this study, faecal samples were collected from dogs (n=1391) and cats (n=1027) across Australia. Samples were examined by microscopy and information regarding the demographics of each animal, and the management practices they experienced were recorded. 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. The prevalence of hookworm in dogs and cats was found to be 6.9% and 1.4%, respectively. Ancylostoma ceylanicum was detected for the first time in Australia in 10.9% of the dogs found positive for hookworm. Significantly, A. ceylanicum is capable of causing a patent infection in humans. After adjusting for other factors with multiple logistic regression, dogs from refuges, dogs originating from a tropical climatic zone, dogs aged 1 year or less, and those dogs which had not received anthelmintics were significantly more likely to be parasitized. Only univariate analysis was conducted for the cats as there were too few samples positive for hookworm. Cats were more likely to be infected with hookworm if they were from refuges, originated from a tropical climatic zone, and had not received treatment with anthelmintics. The results of this study demonstrates the importance of having current information regarding the prevalence of parasites of dogs and cats and the risk factors associated with infection, as well as the need to reassess the veterinary and public health concerns regarding hookworm infection and its control, which are currently based on out-dated information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlysle S Palmer
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Molecular Epidemiology of Parasitic Infections, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
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Pullola T, Vierimaa J, Saari S, Virtala AM, Nikander S, Sukura A. Canine intestinal helminths in Finland: Prevalence, risk factors and endoparasite control practices. Vet Parasitol 2006; 140:321-6. [PMID: 16650936 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2005] [Revised: 11/09/2005] [Accepted: 04/03/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In this survey, the prevalence of canine gastrointestinal helminths in Finland was investigated by coprological examination (n = 541) and possible risk factors for helminth infections in dogs were analysed. In addition, the dog owners (n = 296) completed a questionnaire about use of anthelmintics, sources of information about parasites and antiparasitic treatments and reasons for choosing the drugs. The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths was 5.9%. Eggs from four different species were identified in the faecal samples. Toxocara canis eggs were present in 17 dogs (3.1%), Uncinaria stenocephala eggs in 14 dogs (2.6%) and Diphyllobothrium latum eggs in 2 dogs (0.4%). Moreover, one sample contained eggs of Trichuris vulpis (0.2%). Kennel housing and visits abroad were identified as risk factors for T. canis and U. stenocephala infections. Most dogs (86.0%) received anthelmintic treatment at least once a year. Hunting dogs were dewormed least; one-third was treated less than once a year. Approximately, half of the owners occasionally changed the anthelmintic used. The most important trait of the anthelmintic was its broad spectrum, fenbendazole being the most commonly chosen. Veterinarians, dog magazines and dog breeders were the predominant sources of information concerning parasites and deworming strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Pullola
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
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