Parasites
The word “parasite” comes from the Greek word parasitos which means “one who eats from another’s table.” A parasite cannot live independently. It is obligated, by its very nature, to obtain its nourishment from another living organism. The organism from which it obtains its nourishment is called the host. The parasite itself, the organ it must inhabit, and the age, general health and nutritional status of the host are all involved in determining the degree of damage that a parasite will inflict. Not all parasites cause serious damage to the host and almost all living organisms will, at some time or another, be the host to a parasite. (When was the last time you were bitten by a mosquito? Mosquitoes are parasites as they must obtain their nutrition (blood) from another living organism.)
Parasites come in many sizes and shapes --- from the very small virus to those that are easily seen --- such as the flea or tick. There are parasites that spend their entire life cycle on the outside of a host (external parasites or ectoparasites). Others spend their lives inside the host (internal parasites or endoparasites). Skin, intestines, heart, kidney, blood cells and lungs are common sites for parasites to inhabit.
Our intent is to familiarize you with a few of the most common parasites
with which your pet may become infected and to share with you some of
the more serious problems that may be encountered.