Fungal Infections and Ectoparasites in Veterinary Practice

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to fungal infections and ectoparasites in veterinary practice, useful for exam preparation.

Mycosis

A fungal infection of the integumentary system, which includes the skin.

Dermatomycosis

A type of fungal infection that specifically affects the skin.

Hyphae

Microscopic root-like structures of mold.

Mycelium

A mass of hyphae that can become visible.

Obligate aerobes

Organisms that require oxygen to survive.

Heterotrophic

Organisms that cannot produce their own food.

Keratolytic

Refers to substances that break down the outer layer of the skin.

Pododermatitis

Inflammation of the skin on the paws, often seen in dogs.

Alopecia

Hair loss that can result from various conditions, including fungal infections.

Microsporum canis

A fungus associated with ringworm that fluoresces under a Wood's lamp.

DTM (Dermatophyte Test Medium)

A medium used to culture fungi for diagnosis of dermatophyte infections.

Malassezia pachydermatis

A yeast that commonly causes ear infections and skin problems in dogs.

Coccidioides

A fungus that causes valley fever, common in the Southwest US.

Penicillin

The first antibiotic discovered, derived from mold, used to treat bacterial infections.

Ectoparasite

A parasite that lives on the skin or hair of the host.

Obligate parasite

A parasite that cannot complete its life cycle without using a host.

Intermediate host

An organism that hosts the immature stages of a parasite.

Infestation

A situation where ectoparasites exist in such numbers that they cause disease.

Flea dirt

Flea feces that looks like tiny black specks, indicating a flea infestation.

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis)

A parasitic worm transmitted by mosquitoes, leading to heart disease in dogs.

Demodex

A genus of mites that cause mange and can lead to hair loss.

Sarcoptes scabiei

The mite responsible for scabies in humans and animals.

Otitis externa

Inflammation of the outer ear canal, often caused by infections.

Pruritus

Itchiness that can result from various skin conditions.

Dermatophyte

A type of fungi that causes skin infections, including ringworm.