Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Neurological symptoms in dogs from spinal Spirocerca lupi infection
By Du Plessis, C J et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2007·Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Aberrant extradural spinal migration of Spirocerca lupi: four dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Four dogs were diagnosed with neurological symptoms similar to back problems due to a parasitic worm called Spirocerca lupi, which had migrated into their spinal canal. In two cases, the worm was found during surgery, while the other two were identified post-mortem or through strong evidence. The best treatment involved surgically removing the worm, along with using a medication called doramectin to treat other areas and prevent future infections. These cases highlight the importance of considering this parasite in dogs showing signs of spinal issues, especially in areas where it is common.
People also search for: dog back problems · Spirocerca lupi treatment · dog spinal cord symptoms · dog surgery for worms · neurological symptoms in dogs
Abstract
Spirocerca lupi is a nematode mainly affecting dogs but has been found in other animals, particularly carnivores. Anatomical areas of typical and aberrant migration vary. This report describes four cases of Spirocerca lupi causing neurological symptoms, similar to thoracolumbar disc syndrome, as a result of aberrant migration of the nematode into the spinal canal. In two of the cases, the nematode could be demonstrated intraoperatively. The third was discovered on post-mortem examination, while the fourth case displayed compelling evidence of Spirocerca lupi involvement. Surgical removal of the Spirocerca lupi nematode would be the treatment of choice in cases of spinal migration, with therapeutic and preventive treatment with doramectin instituted to treat remote sites and prevent re-infection. In areas endemic for spirocercosis, Spirocerca lupi should be considered as an important differential diagnosis in cases that are presented with clinical signs suggestive of a spinal cord lesion.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17425698/