Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Leeches in the mouth causing bleeding and vomiting in two young
By Rajaei, S M et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2014·Department of Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Oral infestation with leech Limnatis nilotica in two mixed-breed dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two four-month-old mixed-breed dogs were brought to the vet because they were not eating, were retching, drooling excessively, and had bleeding in their mouths. The vet found live leeches attached to the dogs' tongues, which can suck blood and cause serious anemia. The leeches were carefully removed using forceps after applying vinegar to the area. After treatment, both dogs were checked again a month later and their blood counts returned to normal. It's important to provide clean drinking water to prevent such infestations.
People also search for: dog bleeding from mouth · leech removal in dogs · why is my dog not eating · dog drooling and retching · puppy anemia treatment
Abstract
Leeches are bloodsucking hermaphroditic parasites that attach to tissues using two muscular suckers, ingest large amounts of blood and may cause severe anaemia in the host. Two four-month-old mixed-breed dogs (one bitch and one male) were referred with anorexia, retching, hypersalivation and bleeding from the oral cavity. On physical examination, two live leeches were detected on the ventral aspect of the tongue of the bitch and one in a similar position in the male. The leeches were gently detached and removed using Adson tissue forceps after applying vinegar over the area. Microcytic hypochromic anaemia was detected in the bitch and mild leukocytosis in the dog. One month after treatment both animals were re-examined and a complete blood count was normal. Given that infestation with leeches as described here is associated with contaminated water, the use of clean and safe drinking water is recommended to avoid such diseases.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24320198/