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Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the parasite species carried by hamsters and rabbits purchased from some commercial pet shops in Turkey. Methods: For this purpose, the fecal samples of clinically healthy Syrian hamsters, dwarf hamsters, and crossbred rabbits were collected from 22 pet shops randomly selected in Ankara and Kirikkale provinces, located in Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. The fecal samples were examined with centrifuge flotation technique using saturated salt solution. Results: Parasitic infection rate was 57.5% in dwarf hamsters, 54.9% in Syrian hamsters, and 56.3% in crossbreed rabbits. Trichurid eggs were the most prevalent parasite in the feces of Syrians hamsters (28.1%). The other parasites of Syrian hamsters were as follows: Eimeria spp. oocysts (15.4%) and the eggs of H. nana (11.2%), Syphacia spp. (11%). and Aspiculuris spp. (5.6 %). Only trichurid eggs were observed in the fecal samples of dwarf hamsters (51.5%). Oocysts of Eimeria spp. (52.7%) and the eggs of P. ambiguus (3.6%) were detected in the feces of rabbits. Conclusion: Within the scope of this study, the detection of H. nana eggs, a zoonotic parasite, in the feces of Syrian hamster was quite remarkable for public health. (Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2014; 38: 102-5) (Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2014; 38: 102-5) Anahtar Sözcükler: Parazit, petshop, tavşan, hamster, dışkı muayenesi

Objective: The first aim of the present study was to determine the efficiency of A. absinthium extract on cats naturally infected with Toxocara cati. The second aim was to determine the efficiency of the extract on the embryonic development of T. cati eggs in vitro. Methods: Artemisia absinthium extract was orally administrated to cats at the doses of 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg body weight in Group 1 and 2, respectively. It was given only once a day and the treatment continued 7 consecutive days. The faeces of the cats were examined both macroscopically and microscopically by flotation procedure with saturated salt solution pre-, during and post-treatment period. The faecal analysis was maintained during 8 days after completing the extract administration. The alteration of faecal egg numbers was performed by using the McMaster technique. Results: The faecal egg numbers per gram were decreased gradually in cats in the trial groups. In the treatment period, the activities of ALT, AST, ALP, urea and creatinine were located within the physiological ranges in cats. In in vitro trials with A. absinthium extract, the embryonic development of T. cati eggs was identical in all groups (treatment and control). A. absinthium extract did not inhibit larval development in eggs in in vitro trials. Conclusion: This plant extract may be an alternative choice in the treatment of parasitic diseases in future. (Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2011; 35: 10-4

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Introduction Parasitic diseases caused by liver trematodes have an important place among many parasitic infections causing reduced productivity in animals. Liver trematodes constitute an important parasitic group affecting domestic ruminants around the world and in Turkey. Animals infected by this parasite manifest symptoms such as deterioration of overall status, edema, anemia, and weakness. It has been reported that in infected animals the bile ducts are dilated, the gall bladder is filled with bile, and the liver becomes fibrotic and cirrhotic and thus stiffer and hard to dissect over time (1). Among liver trematodes, D. dendriticum settles in the liver of ruminants and causes weight loss and reduced milk yield (2). Another parasite causing hepatic injury in sheep is the hydatid cyst, which is the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus. After ingestion of food material contaminated by canine feces, hydatid cysts primarily infect ruminants, but also camels, rabbits, pigs, humans, and monkeys. It primarily involves the liver, but also the lungs, spleen, and heart, and rarely other organs. Since its larvae involve the liver and lungs of intermediary hosts, they do not pose many problems when young. When they are fully grown, however, they cause jaundice if they reside in the liver. Hepatic dysfunction leads to digestive disorders, while cysts in other organ systems give rise to organ-specific disorders (3). Biochemical changes in blood are used to diagnose many disorders (4). Important changes can occur in the serum biochemistry of animals during parasitic infections (5,6). These infections are held responsible for hypoproteinemia and reduced levels of trace elements due mainly to malabsorption and increase in liver enzymes due to resulting hepatic injury (5,7). Dağoğlu et al. (8) reported that tissue injury induced by parasites involving the liver, such as D. dendriticum, caused altered serum enzymatic activity, which is particularly important for early detection of toxic hepatic injury. Minerals have an important role in maintaining normal physiological functions and protecting organisms against disease. These substances are found in the structure of cofactors that are necessary for enzymatic activity. Copper (Cu) is an element that must be supplied in the diet of domestic livestock. Its deficiency is characterized by oxidation disturbance, anemia, hair depigmentation,

Four cats were presented with respiratory signs and first-stage larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus were found in faecal samples. Anthelmintic treatment was given to the infected cats and venous blood gases were analysed during the treatment period. Blood gas analysis suggested hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis in infected cats. Hypoventilation may be the result of airway obstruction by adults and larvae in respiratory bronchioles and the alveolar canals. The blood gas values had returned close to the physiological range by two months after treatment. Assessment of respiratory acidosis may aid development of additional treatment methods in cats infected with A. abstrusus.