Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Eye worm infection in 16 dogs in New Mexico and their treatment
By McLean, Nancy Johnstone et al.·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2017·VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Canine ocular onchocerciasis: a retrospective review of the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of 16 cases in New Mexico (2011-2015).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 16 dogs in New Mexico was diagnosed with ocular onchocerciasis, a parasitic infection affecting the eyes, showing symptoms like red eyes, swelling, and even retinal detachment. Most of these dogs had noticeable eye issues, including masses in the eye and corneal problems. Treatment varied, with some dogs receiving just medication while others needed both medication and surgery. Unfortunately, 10 of the dogs experienced a return of their symptoms after treatment. Overall, many dogs improved with medical management, but ongoing monitoring is important due to the risk of recurrence.
People also search for: dog eye problems · ocular onchocerciasis treatment · red eyes in dogs · dog eye swelling · dog retinal detachment symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical exam findings, treatment and outcomes of 16 dogs diagnosed with ocular onchocerciasis in New Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of dogs diagnosed by the primary author were reviewed (2011-2015). Records that were accessible and included a diagnosis of Onchocerca lupi by histopathologic or molecular identification of the nematode were included. RESULTS: Sixteen cases were included. 3/16 dogs were treated with year-round heartworm prophylaxis prior to infection. Clinical exam findings included conjunctival hyperemia and/or episcleral injection (16/16), focal subconjunctival mass(es) (14/16), retinal detachment (7/16), corneal edema (4/16), chemosis (3/16), corneal opacity (2/16), exophthalmia (1/16), glaucoma (1/16), strabismus (1/16), blepharospasm (1/16), and vitreal degeneration (1/16). Ocular involvement was unilateral in 7/16 dogs and bilateral in 9/16 dogs. The diagnosis was confirmed via histologic identification of the nematodes and/or PCR. Treatment consisted of medical management or a combination medical and surgical management. Known or suspected recurrence of disease was documented in 10 dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Canine ocular onchocerciasis is endemic in New Mexico. Histopathology and molecular identification are useful diagnostic tools. Medical management alone was successful in many cases.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27624855/