Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with persistent cough diagnosed with rare lung parasite in Italy
By Dini, Filippo Maria et al.·Published in Veterinary medicine and science·2025·Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: First Report of Bronchial Oestriasis in a Domestic Dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 9-year-old dog from a rural area in Italy was brought in for persistent coughing that didn't improve with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. After examining the dog's airways with a bronchoscope, veterinarians found a live larva from a parasite known to typically infest sheep. They successfully removed the larva and treated the dog with isoxazolines, leading to a quick recovery from the coughing. This case shows that unusual parasites can cause respiratory issues in dogs, especially in areas near sheep.
People also search for: dog coughing treatment · bronchial myiasis in dogs · isoxazolines for dog parasites
Abstract
This study reports the first case of bronchial myiasis in a dog caused by Oestrus ovis, a parasite known to infest sheep, and occasionally other mammals. A 9-year-old dog, from a rural area near Ancona (Italy), exhibited persistent coughing despite antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatments. Bronchoscopy revealed a live first-instar larva of O. ovis, confirmed through morphological and molecular analyses. Larval removal and treatment with isoxazolines resulted in a rapid resolution of symptoms. This case highlights the critical importance of including atypical parasitic infestations in the differential diagnosis of respiratory symptoms in dogs. It underscores the importance of heightened vigilance, particularly in areas with sheep flocks, to prevent and manage such infestation effectively.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40856170/