Personnel:
Arthur
L. Hattel , DVM, Diplomate ACVP: section head. Dr. Hattel received
his DVM from Colorado State University and completed residency training
in veterinary pathology at the University of Pennsylvania. Areas of
interest include general diagnostic pathology, Neosporosis and immunohistochemistry.
Roberta
Horner , BS, HT/HTL: Research Technician I. Prepares tissue
submissions for histologic examination. Processes and examines fecal
samples for the presence and identification of parasitic agents.
Lola Hubler,
B.S.; Necropsy technician; Responsible for assisting diagnosticians
in performing necropsies and maintaining the necropsy area.
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Examining
fecal flotation for parasite ova.
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Parasitology
Section
The parasitology
section of the laboratory is responsible for the processing of
samples to determine the presence, quantity and identification of
specific parasitic agents. A variety of fecal parasitology procedures
are performed on feces and intestinal contents, including fecal
flotation, Baermann procedure, acid fast stain and fluorescent antibody
techniques. A large number of direct smears/wet mounts from the
gastrointestinal tracts of various species are examined by direct
miscroscopy to detect, semi-quantify and identify coccidia and other
protozoa, as well as helminth adults, larval and ova. Ectoparasites
are detected and identified from skin scrapings. Histopathology
is often used as an adjunct method to diagnose a variety of parasitic
conditions. Immunohistochemistry and ELISA serology specific for
neospora caninum are also in use. definitive speciation
of unusual parasites can be accomplished by referrals to entomologists
at Penn State University and parasitologists at the University of
Pennsylvania.
Examples
of Fecal Parasitology Procedures Performed
1. Fecal flotation
2. Baermann procedure
3. Fluorescent
antibody Giardia sp., Cryptosporidia sp.
4. Direct smears
5.Acid fast stain - Cryptosporidia sp.
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