Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with kidney inflammation linked to Heterobilharzia americana
By Ruth, Jeffrey·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2010·Lexington Boulevard Animal Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Heterobilharzia americana Infection and Glomerulonephritis in a Dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old neutered male dog was brought in with symptoms like weight loss, anemia, and gastrointestinal issues. Tests revealed he had a kidney problem called glomerulonephritis, caused by an infection with a parasite known as Heterobilharzia americana. After treatment with two medications, fenbendazole and praziquantel, the dog's symptoms improved significantly, and his kidney function returned to normal. This case highlights the importance of checking for specific infections in dogs with unexplained kidney issues, especially in areas where these parasites are common.
People also search for: dog kidney disease symptoms · Heterobilharzia americana treatment · dog weight loss and anemia · glomerulonephritis in dogs · dog gastrointestinal problems treatment
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an uncommonly reported disease that usually causes weight loss, anemia, and gastrointestinal signs. A 6-year-old, neutered male dog developed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis concurrent with infection with the trematode parasite Heterobilharzia americana. At presentation, the dog had proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, and anemia. Diagnosis was based upon the histopathological appearance of the kidney. Clinical signs, biochemical and hematological abnormalities, and proteinuria resolved following treatment with fenbendazole and praziquantel. Fecal examination by saline sedimentation, miracidia hatching, or Heterobilharzia polymerase chain reaction assay may be indicated when examining a dog that is presented with unexplained glomerulonephritis and is from an endemic area.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20439945/