Diferential diagnosis between esophageal granuloma and pulmonary metastasis

Background: Spirocercosis is a parasitic infection caused by Spirocerca lupi. This pathology affects canid carnivores, especially domestic dogs. Early diagnosis has been proven challenging and most infected animals are diagnosed when disease is in advanced stage. Exams such as computed tomography scans or radiographs can aid in disease confirmation. Radiographic exam frequently reveals the presence of a mass located in mediastinal region, which can be erroneously diagnosed as pulmonary mass. The aim of this study was to report the differential diagnosis between paraesophageal granuloma, possibly due to spirocercosis, and pulmonary metastasis in a dog with a history of neurofibrosarcoma.Case: A 8 year-old male Cocker Spaniel dog, weighing 17.4 kg, was presented with anterior limb suspension and a recurrent nodule of 2.0 cm diameter, located on the main pad, with previous diagnosis of neurofibrosarcoma (malignant Schwannoma). Routine evaluation work-up included thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound for clinical staging, electrocardiogram, complete blood count (CBC), coagulogram, renal and hepatic function tests, with results within the normal range for the species. The dog submitted to left anterior limb amputation due to recurrent neurofibrosarcoma in the carpal region. Histopathological exam confirmed recurrent neurofibrosarcoma without vascular invasion. Considering neoplasm biological behavior and clean surgical margins, only routine follow-up was established, with clinical exams. The dogwas presented to the Veterinary Hospital five months after surgical treatment and it was presented with fever, prostration, and history of vomiting. Radiographic exam showed a circumscribed mass in caudal mediastinal area. Computed tomography scan was performed to best evaluate the mass and the result was compatible with paraesophageal abscess.[...]

Diferential diagnosis between esophageal granuloma and pulmonary metastasis

Background: Spirocercosis is a parasitic infection caused by Spirocerca lupi. This pathology affects canid carnivores, especially domestic dogs. Early diagnosis has been proven challenging and most infected animals are diagnosed when disease is in advanced stage. Exams such as computed tomography scans or radiographs can aid in disease confirmation. Radiographic exam frequently reveals the presence of a mass located in mediastinal region, which can be erroneously diagnosed as pulmonary mass. The aim of this study was to report the differential diagnosis between paraesophageal granuloma, possibly due to spirocercosis, and pulmonary metastasis in a dog with a history of neurofibrosarcoma.Case: A 8 year-old male Cocker Spaniel dog, weighing 17.4 kg, was presented with anterior limb suspension and a recurrent nodule of 2.0 cm diameter, located on the main pad, with previous diagnosis of neurofibrosarcoma (malignant Schwannoma). Routine evaluation work-up included thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound for clinical staging, electrocardiogram, complete blood count (CBC), coagulogram, renal and hepatic function tests, with results within the normal range for the species. The dog submitted to left anterior limb amputation due to recurrent neurofibrosarcoma in the carpal region. Histopathological exam confirmed recurrent neurofibrosarcoma without vascular invasion. Considering neoplasm biological behavior and clean surgical margins, only routine follow-up was established, with clinical exams. The dogwas presented to the Veterinary Hospital five months after surgical treatment and it was presented with fever, prostration, and history of vomiting. Radiographic exam showed a circumscribed mass in caudal mediastinal area. Computed tomography scan was performed to best evaluate the mass and the result was compatible with paraesophageal abscess.[...](AU)

Pathological alterations in dogs resulting from parasitism by Spirocerca Lupi

Background: Spirocercosis is considered to be an emerging pathological condition within veterinary medicine. The disease has worldwide distribution, although the greatest prevalence has been described in tropical and subtropical regions. The infection rate is affected by the interrelationships between the density of the dog population and intermediate hosts. The aim of this study was report the morphological and histopathological characteristics of natural infection by Spirocerca lupi in dogs from Distrito Federal, Brazil. Cases: Records were obtained from 10 dogs diagnosed with spirocercosis at the Pathology Sector, School of Veterinary Medicine, União Pioneira de Integração Social (UPIS), in Brasília, Federal District. For six animals, the diagnosis was confirmed through necropsy. Two dogs presented aortic rupture, thus resulting in hemothorax and consequent hypovolemic shock. Another animal presented gastric nodules, erratic migration to the lungs and renal and splenic infarction due to aortic thromboembolism. One dog presented neoplastic transformation of the esophageal granuloma to osteosarcoma. The age of the dogs ranged from one to eight years and the weight ranged from 15 to 40 kg. The clinical histories were similar: regurgitation (10/10), emesis (5/10), dysphagia (7/10), weight loss (10/10), weakness (3/10) and dyspnea (4/10). Esophageal nodules measured 1 to 5 cm in [...](AU)

Pathological alterations in dogs resulting from parasitism by Spirocerca Lupi

Background: Spirocercosis is considered to be an emerging pathological condition within veterinary medicine. The disease has worldwide distribution, although the greatest prevalence has been described in tropical and subtropical regions. The infection rate is affected by the interrelationships between the density of the dog population and intermediate hosts. The aim of this study was report the morphological and histopathological characteristics of natural infection by Spirocerca lupi in dogs from Distrito Federal, Brazil. Cases: Records were obtained from 10 dogs diagnosed with spirocercosis at the Pathology Sector, School of Veterinary Medicine, União Pioneira de Integração Social (UPIS), in Brasília, Federal District. For six animals, the diagnosis was confirmed through necropsy. Two dogs presented aortic rupture, thus resulting in hemothorax and consequent hypovolemic shock. Another animal presented gastric nodules, erratic migration to the lungs and renal and splenic infarction due to aortic thromboembolism. One dog presented neoplastic transformation of the esophageal granuloma to osteosarcoma. The age of the dogs ranged from one to eight years and the weight ranged from 15 to 40 kg. The clinical histories were similar: regurgitation (10/10), emesis (5/10), dysphagia (7/10), weight loss (10/10), weakness (3/10) and dyspnea (4/10). Esophageal nodules measured 1 to 5 cm in [...]

Dysphagia secondary to Spirocerca lupi in a German shepherd dog

Background: Spirocerca lupi is a nematode that causes nodules in the esophagus and aortic aneurysms in dogs. Animals are infected by eating intermediate host (beetle) containing infective larvae or consuming viscera containing parasitic cysts from paratenic hosts. Dogs commonly have a subclinical presentation, but the most common signs are vomiting and regurgitation. Visualizing nodules or neoplastic masses via esophagoscopy and the presence of S. lupi eggs in feces are the best diagnostic methods. Milbemycin oxime is effective as a treatment for S. lupi. The objective of this study was to describe the diagnostic and medical management of a patient with dysphagia secondary to esophageal S. lupi nodules.Case: A 7-year-old male German shepherd dog was referred for endoscopic examination. The animal presented with chronic severe dysphagia and weight loss with a presumptive diagnosis of an esophageal foreign body. At palpation of the neck, the dog was painful just dorsal to the cricoid cartilage and had submandibular lymphadenomegaly. The animal also exhibited a dropped jaw which could be returned to its normal position by manipulation. Radiographic examination demonstrated a radiopaque image compatible with a mass in the cranial esophagus just caudal to the upper esophageal sphincter. A fluoroscopy study was performed and confirmed the presence of a mass apparently within the [...]

Dysphagia secondary to Spirocerca lupi in a German shepherd dog

Background: Spirocerca lupi is a nematode that causes nodules in the esophagus and aortic aneurysms in dogs. Animals are infected by eating intermediate host (beetle) containing infective larvae or consuming viscera containing parasitic cysts from paratenic hosts. Dogs commonly have a subclinical presentation, but the most common signs are vomiting and regurgitation. Visualizing nodules or neoplastic masses via esophagoscopy and the presence of S. lupi eggs in feces are the best diagnostic methods. Milbemycin oxime is effective as a treatment for S. lupi. The objective of this study was to describe the diagnostic and medical management of a patient with dysphagia secondary to esophageal S. lupi nodules.Case: A 7-year-old male German shepherd dog was referred for endoscopic examination. The animal presented with chronic severe dysphagia and weight loss with a presumptive diagnosis of an esophageal foreign body. At palpation of the neck, the dog was painful just dorsal to the cricoid cartilage and had submandibular lymphadenomegaly. The animal also exhibited a dropped jaw which could be returned to its normal position by manipulation. Radiographic examination demonstrated a radiopaque image compatible with a mass in the cranial esophagus just caudal to the upper esophageal sphincter. A fluoroscopy study was performed and confirmed the presence of a mass apparently within the [...](AU)