Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Esophageal swallowing problems from spirocercosis in dogs
By Mylonakis, Mathios E et al.·Published in Compendium (Yardley, PA)·2008·Aristotle University of Thessaloniki·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Canine spirocercosis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog with spirocercosis, a parasitic infection caused by Spirocerca lupi, may show symptoms like difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and excessive drooling. To diagnose this condition, vets typically perform fecal tests, X-rays, and endoscopy to check for signs of the parasite and any related complications. Treatment with medications like doramectin or ivermectin has proven effective, leading to improvement in symptoms and the elimination of the parasites. Many dogs recover well with appropriate treatment.
People also search for: dog regurgitation treatment · spirocercosis in dogs · ivermectin for dog parasites
Abstract
Spirocercosis (Spirocerca lupi) in dogs has been mostly associated with the presence of esophageal granulomas that may transform to sarcomas; aortic aneurysms; mid-thoracic spondylitis; hypertrophic osteopathy; salivary gland necrosis; and pyothorax. Although the disease is frequently subclinical, esophageal dysphagia manifested by regurgitation, odynophagia, and hypersalivation is considered the clinical hallmark. Diagnosis should combine fecal analysis, thoracic radiography, and esophagoscopy to look for parasite ova, spondylitis or posterior mediastinal masses, and parasite nodules or tumors, respectively. Two avermectins, doramectin and ivermectin, have been effective in the treatment of canine spirocercosis, resulting in clinical remission, regression, or elimination of esophageal granulomas and cessation of egg shedding.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18368693/