A cat with fever, dyspnea, and neurologic abnormalities has a positive Toxoplasma IgG result, but no oocysts are found on fecal flotation. Which interpretation is best?

An outdoor cat from an endemic area presents with acute fever, icterus, dyspnea, splenomegaly, and rapid deterioration. Cytauxzoon felis is suspected on the blood smear. Which plan should be prioritized?

A dog with freshwater exposure develops chronic bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and hypercalcemia. Routine fecal flotation is negative. Which next test should be prioritized for the suspected parasite?

Several small white worms are moving in the conjunctival sac of a dog with epiphora and conjunctivitis. The dog has frequent face-fly exposure. Which parasite and immediate approach best fit the case?

A dog that previously lived in a sand-fly-endemic region has weight loss, exfoliative skin lesions, generalized lymphadenopathy, hyperglobulinemia, and proteinuria. Cytology reveals small organisms inside macrophages. Which plan best fits the suspected infection?

A stable dog has confirmed heartworm infection and is beginning a veterinarian-directed treatment plan. Which client instruction most directly reduces the risk of serious cardiopulmonary complications during treatment?

A dog has severe pruritus over the caudal dorsum and tail base, but no adult fleas are seen during the examination. A flea comb collects several black specks. Which next step and interpretation are best?

A dog that hunts frogs has large operculated ova recovered by fecal sedimentation. The adult flukes inhabit the small intestine, but the migration of immature stages may cause more injury. Which parasite best fits this pattern?

Several puppies in a breeding facility have coccidiosis. Staff members question why feces must be removed promptly if freshly passed Cystoisospora oocysts are generally not yet infective. Which explanation is best?

A Dirofilaria immitis nodule is discovered in a human, a host species in which this parasite does not ordinarily live. How should the parasite be classified in this situation?