Rare case of presence of nematodes Dirofilaria repens in apleural cavity of a dog.

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.