Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
X-rays detect spirocercosis in healthy dogs in St. Kitts
By Fisher, M M et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology·2009·Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Radiography for the diagnosis of spirocercosis in apparently healthy dogs, St. Kitts, West Indies.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 50 healthy dogs in St. Kitts were checked for a parasite called spirocercosis before being neutered. Surprisingly, 12 of these dogs tested positive for the parasite, which can cause serious health issues. The veterinarians used X-rays to find signs of the infection, and they were able to identify the problem in 83% of the infected dogs. Additionally, after giving the dogs a special contrast material, all infected dogs showed clear signs of the parasite, confirming the diagnosis. This study highlights the importance of using X-rays along with other tests to detect spirocercosis in dogs.
People also search for: dog spirocercosis symptoms · dog X-ray diagnosis · healthy dog parasite test · spirocercosis treatment in dogs
Abstract
Fifty apparently healthy island dogs presenting to the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), St. Kitts, West Indies for neutering were used in this prospective study. Twelve of the dogs (24%) were diagnosed with spirocercosis based on a positive fecal analysis and characteristic lesions seen during esophagoscopy. Routine thoracic survey radiographs revealed changes previously reported with spirocercosis in 10/12 (sensitivity=83%) infected dogs, but in none of the uninfected dogs (38/38; specificity=100%). The most common radiographic changes were an increased fluid density within the caudal dorsal thorax on the lateral view and a widening and/or bulging of the caudal mediastinum on the dorsoventral view. After oral administration of barium sulfate, barium retention or a tortuous esophagus was visible in all infected dogs (12/12; sensitivity 100%) and in one uninfected dog (1/38; specificity 97%). The results show spirocercosis is common on St. Kitts and that radiographs are as dependable as fecal analysis and/or endoscopy in diagnosing the condition.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19128882/