Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with widespread cysticercosis infection and skin lumps
By Kandefer-Gola, Małgorzata et al.·Published in Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)·2025·Department of Pathology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: IsCysticercosis a Threat to Dogs? Description of Macro- and Microscopic Lesions in a Dog. Case Report and a Review of the Literature.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old male German Shepherd in Poland developed multiple soft lumps under the skin and was found to have a severe parasitic infection called cysticercosis, which can occur in dogs that are immunosuppressed. This dog had been on long-term prednisone for Addison's disease, which weakened his immune system and allowed the parasites to multiply rapidly. Unfortunately, despite the findings, the dog did not survive due to the extensive spread of the infection throughout his body. This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in dogs with weakened immune systems, especially when they present with unusual skin nodules.
People also search for: dog skin lumps · German Shepherd cysticercosis · Addison's disease in dogs · prednisone side effects in dogs
Abstract
is a cestode capable of causing severe and atypical cysticercosis in accidental intermediate hosts, including domestic dogs. Here we report a fatal disseminatedinfection (cystiscercosis) in a 4-year-old castrated male German Shepherd from Poland that had been undergoing long-term prednisone therapy for Addison's disease. The dog developed multiple soft subcutaneous nodules containing numerous asexually proliferating cysticerci. Necropsy revealed extensive dissemination of larvae throughout the subcutis and the thoracic and abdominal cavities, accompanied by serosanguineous effusions, necrosis, and chronic inflammatory lesions. Histological examination demonstrated cestode larvae with a scolex bearing two rows of hooks, consistent with. Immunosuppression and endocrine alterations, including chronic glucocorticoid treatment and low levels of testosterone, likely promoted rapid asexual proliferation of larvae. A literature review shows that although dogs are definitive hosts of, immunosuppressed individuals may also serve as accidental intermediate hosts. Early cytological evaluation of subcutaneous nodules may facilitate faster diagnosis and treatment decisions. Given the zoonotic potential ofand the increasing number of European cases, this parasitic infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous nodules in immunosuppressed dogs. The presented case underscores its epidemiological relevance within the One Health framework.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41599012/