Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with rare lung infection by Dirofilaria repens worms
By Demiaszkiewicz, Aleksander W et al.·Published in Annals of parasitology·2021·ski Institute of Parasitology PAS·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Rare case of presence of nematodes Dirofilaria repens in apleural cavity of a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 12-year-old golden retriever was brought to the vet because he was losing weight, weak, and dehydrated for two weeks. Blood tests showed low levels of red and white blood cells, and an ultrasound revealed changes in his kidneys. Unfortunately, the dog was euthanized, and a necropsy found adult nematodes (Dirofilaria repens) in his pleural cavity, which is very rare. This case highlights a serious parasitic infection that can affect dogs, leading to severe health issues.
People also search for: dog weight loss weakness · golden retriever kidney problems · Dirofilaria repens in dogs
Abstract
Dirofilariosis, caused by nematodes Dirofilaria repens, is a parasitosis of wild and domestic carnivores. Nematodes D. repens locate in the subcutaneous and intramuscular tissue. The aim of this article is to describe rare case of pleural infection of a dog with nematodes D. repens. 12-year-old golden retriever had been treated in the veterinary clinic due to emaciation, weakness and dehydration, observed for 2 weeks. Hematologic and biochemical tests revealed reduction in the number of leukocytes and erythrocytes, significant decrease of hemoglobin, hematocrit and albumins as well as increased ALAT, urea and creatinine levels. Parasitological examination of blood smear revealed the presence of multiple microfilariae. Increased echogenicity of renal parenchyma was visible during ultrasound examination. Necropsy of euthanized animal revealed adult nematodes D. repens, located in the pleural cavity. Additionally, enlarged kidneys with subcapsular petechiae and a single cyst in the renal cortex were observed. To our best knowledge, it is the first case of finding nematodes D. repens in a pleural cavity of a dog.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34022784/