Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dirofilaria repens in dogs with skin lumps or tumors
By Paździor-Czapula, Katarzyna et al.·Published in Veterinary clinical pathology·2018·Department of Pathological Anatomy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Dirofilaria repens-An etiological factor or an incidental finding in cytologic and histopathologic biopsies from dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with skin lumps and swelling were found to have a parasite called Dirofilaria repens, which can cause skin problems and other symptoms. In some cases, the parasite was discovered in body fluids like those around the heart and abdomen, as well as in swollen lymph nodes. While many dogs showed no symptoms, the presence of this parasite can lead to serious issues, so it's important for affected dogs to receive treatment. The study highlights the need for further research into how this parasite affects dogs and its potential risks to humans.
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Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is an endemic, zoonotic parasite of carnivores, causing subcutaneous dirofilariasis, which is mostly asymptomatic. The aim of this study was to describe 22 cases of canine subcutaneous dirofilariasis. The cytologic and histopathologic samples were collected from dogs, which presented with various clinical signs such as cutaneous/subcutaneous nodules, hydropericardium, ascites, and lymphadenomegaly. The cytologic or histopathologic examination revealed purulent, pyogranulomatous, granulomatous or eosinophilic dermatitis/panniculitis, and the presence of D repens microfilariae or adults. The microfilariae or adults were also found incidentally in neoplastic cutaneous or subcutaneous tumors and in a sialocele. For the first time, microfilariae were also detected and described in pericardial and abdominal effusions and in enlarged reactive lymph nodes. Although it is well known that D repens can cause dermatitis and panniculitis in dogs, no previous reports of D repens microfilariae in body cavity fluids were found. The role of this parasite in the accumulation of body cavity fluid or in reactive lymphadenomegaly requires further investigation. Due to its zoonotic potential, and apparently underestimated pathogenicity, each case of canine subcutaneous dirofilariasis should be treated.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29902339/