Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Treatment results for dogs with spinal Spirocerca infection
By Asiag, Nimrod et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2022·1Veterinary Teaching Hospital·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of a treatment protocol in dogs with intraspinal spirocercosis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with sudden neurological problems was diagnosed with intraspinal spirocercosis, a parasitic infection affecting the spine. They were treated with a medication called doramectin, along with prednisone and clindamycin to help manage their symptoms and prevent further infections. Most of the dogs showed improvement, with seven out of eight stopping their decline in health, and six were able to walk again. While one dog did not improve and was euthanized, the treatment was found to be safe and effective for the others, with no side effects reported.
People also search for: dog neurological problems treatment · spirocercosis in dogs · doramectin for dogs · dog spine infection symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency and safety of a doramectin-based treatment protocol in dogs affected by intraspinal spirocercosis (Spirocerca lupi). ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs that were admitted to a veterinary hospital during 2021 to 2022 with acute onset of neurological signs and diagnosed with intraspinal spirocercosis. All dogs underwent complete neurological evaluation, CSF analysis, PCR confirmation of CNS S lupi infection, and follow-up evaluation of at least 6 months. PROCEDURES: Upon diagnosis, dogs were treated with doramectin at a dose of 400 μg/kg, SC, q 24 h for 3 consecutive days, followed by the same dose once a week for 6 weeks. Prednisone was administered at a dose of 1 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h and tapered every 3 days. Antimicrobial clindamycin was administered at a dose of 12.5 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h for 7 days to reduce the risk of secondary spinal cord infection. Short- and long-term outcomes (1 week to 56 months) were recorded. RESULTS: 8 dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 7 of which presented with neurological deficits and 1 with cervical pain. Initiation of treatment was associated with stopping the deterioration in 7 of 8 dogs. Seven dogs improved and 6 recovered ambulation. One dog was euthanized due to lack of improvement. Six of the recovered dogs were still ataxic on the last follow-up examination at 6 to 56 months. No adverse effects of the drug were noted. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Frequent administration of doramectin was found to be safe and effective in preventing neurological deterioration in dogs with intraspinal spirocercosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36476412/