Changes

Adult fleas are blood sucking ectoparasites which can cause pruritis, annoyance and anaemia if present in large numbers. [[Skin Immunologic - Pathology#Flea bite hypersensitivity|Flea allergic dermatitis]] can also occur where the animal becomes allergic to the antigens in the flea saliva triggering a hypersensitivity reaction when the flea bites.

Adult fleas are blood sucking ectoparasites which can cause pruritis, annoyance and anaemia if present in large numbers. [[Skin Immunologic - Pathology#Flea bite hypersensitivity|Flea allergic dermatitis]] can also occur where the animal becomes allergic to the antigens in the flea saliva triggering a hypersensitivity reaction when the flea bites.

Fleas can also act as intermediate hosts and vectors.

Fleas can also act as intermediate hosts for the tapeworm Dipylidium (link) and as an important vector for diseases such as cat scratch disease, the bubonic plague and myxomatosis.

The terms '''ctenidia''' and '''combs''' can be used interchangably for spines on the head/thorax. Spines on the cheeks are referred to as '''genal''' and spines on the thorax are called '''pronotal''' combs. The presence and location of the chitinous spines are important in differentiating between the different flea species. The chitinous anal struts are also used for identification and help the flea larvae with vigorous motility.

The terms '''ctenidia''' and '''combs''' can be used interchangably for spines on the head/thorax. Spines on the cheeks are referred to as '''genal''' and spines on the thorax are called '''pronotal''' combs. The presence and location of the chitinous spines are important in differentiating between the different flea species. The chitinous anal struts are also used for identification and help the flea larvae with vigorous motility.