Assistant Professor Texas A&M University College Station, Texas, United States
Presentation Description / Summary: Heterobilharzia americana is the causative agent of canine schistosomiasis, capable of causing significant morbidity and mortality in dogs. Historically it has been largely confined to the Gulf coast and southern Atlantic regions of the United States associated with the limited range of the intermediate snail host required for the life cycle of the parasite. Recent discoveries have uncovered a far larger geographic range of the parasite and outbreaks of infected dogs in new regions of the country have been documented. It is essential that veterinarians in first opinion and specialty practice are familiar with risk factors for infection, classic diagnostic and imaging abnormalities, diagnosis, therapy, and prevention. In addition to a general review of the parasite, this session will include recent research focused on prevalence estimates, a newly validated and optimized fecal PCR, investigation into the utility of biomarkers, and therapeutic outcomes. The audience member should leave the session feeling increasingly confident with recognizing and treatment dogs infected with Heterobilharzia americana in their practice.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the life cycle of Heterobilharzia americana in order to recognize risk factors and optimal timing of testing following exposure to infested water.
Recognize both the historic and emerging geographic range of Heterobilharzia americana.
Recognize the classic imaging and clinicopathological variables suggestive of infection and select appropriate diagnostic tests to confirm diagnosis of Heterobilharzia americana in dogs in both symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs.
Select an appropriate therapeutic plan for a dog infected with Heterobilharzia americana including knowledge of possible adverse events associated with treatment.
