Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with sudden belly bleeding linked to Angiostrongylus vasorum
By Willesen JL et al.·Published in Irish Veterinary Journal·2008·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Acute haemoabdomen associated with <it>angiostrongylus vasorum </it>infection in a dog: a case report
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A one-year-old female Danish shorthaired pointer was brought to the emergency vet after collapsing and showing pale gums. She had been less active for a month but had no other noticeable symptoms. An ultrasound revealed a large amount of fluid in her abdomen that looked like blood, and tests showed she had an infection caused by a parasite called Angiostrongylus vasorum. The dog was treated with a medication called fenbendazole for 20 days, along with supportive care, and she stabilized well.
People also search for: dog collapse pale gums · Danish shorthaired pointer Angiostrongylus vasorum · dog abdominal fluid treatment
Abstract
<p>Abstract</p> <p>A one-year-old intact female, Danish shorthaired pointer was referred to the emergency service with a history of acute collapse and pale mucous membranes after a month of reduced activity but with no other clinical signs. An ultrasound examination of the abdomen indicated the presence of a large amount of free fluid with no obvious cause such as neoplasia or splenic rupture. Fluid analysis had the macroscopic appearance of blood with no signs of infection or neoplasia. Multiple <it>Angiostrongylus vasorum </it>L1 larvae were revealed on a direct rectal faecal smear. The dog was treated with fenbendazole 25 mg/kg orally once daily for 20 days and given supportive treatment. The dog was stabilised on this treatment. Haemoabdomen is a clinical sign where surgical intervention is often considered an integral part of the diagnostic investigation (i.e., <it>laparotomy</it>) or treatment. Failing to make the diagnosis of canine angiostrongylosis before performing surgery may have a serious adverse affect on the outcome. Consequently, in areas where <it>A. vasorum </it>is enzootic, a Baermann test and a direct faecal smear should be included in the initial diagnostic investigation of all dogs presenting with bleeding disorders of unknown origin.</p>
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1186/2046-0481-61-9-591