Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with brain Cuterebra infection and kidney protein loss
By Thawley, Vincent J et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2013·Department of Clinical Studies –, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Presumptive central nervous system cuterebriasis and concurrent protein-losing nephropathy in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 1-year-old mixed breed dog was brought in for worsening behavior, seizures, and neurological issues, which were linked to a migrating Cuterebra larva in his brain. Tests also showed he had a serious kidney problem called protein-losing nephropathy. Although surgery to remove the larva was unsuccessful, the dog was treated with ivermectin, antihistamines, anticonvulsants, and glucocorticoids. Over the next few weeks, his condition improved significantly, and his kidney issues resolved completely.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical course and successful management of a dog suspected to have central nervous system (CNS) Cuterebra larval migration and concurrent protein-losing nephropathy (PLN). CASE SUMMARY: A 1-year-old castrated male mixed breed dog was diagnosed with presumptive CNS cuterebriasis based on history, progressively deteriorating mentation, seizures, and magnetic resonance images showing a tubular lesion consistent with a migrating Cuterebra tract. Additionally, serum biochemistry and urine analyses revealed the development of a severe PLN. Surgical removal of the Cuterebra was attempted unsuccessfully, and subsequently, the dog was treated with ivermectin, antihistamines, anticonvulsants, and a tapering dose of glucocorticoids. Over several weeks the dog's neurologic status improved and the PLN resolved completely. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This case describes successful management of presumptive CNS cuterebriasis in a dog. It is also, to our knowledge, the first report of PLN associated with cuterebriasis in the veterinary literature.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23362973/