Spirocerca lupi (Spirurida: Spirocercidae) infection associated to secondary megaesophagus and obstructive process in a senile dog / Infecção por Spirocerca lupi (Spirurida: Spirocercidae) associada a megaesôfago secundário e processo obstrutivo em um cão senil

Spirocerca lupi is a nematode parasite that can be found in the esophagus and aorta of carnivores, including humans. Affected animals may develop mild to severe lesions, depending on the degree of infection, route of larval migration and the inflammatory response. The present work describes the occurrence of S. lupi in a 16-year old male Chow Chow dog, presenting a chronic esophagus infection, associated with a critical obstruction. After the identification of the parasite egg by faecal exam, the patient was treated with milbemycin in combination with praziquantel P.O., in days zero, seven and 28 after the diagnose. An esophagogram was also performed, confirming the secondary megaesophagus. The team of clinicians decide to perform a euthanasia due to the complication of the patient"s condition, even after the anthelmintic treatment. This report is important as it describes a case after 18 years of epidemiological silence in the Metropolitan region of Curitiba, PR, Brazil. The present data aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of this zoonotic disease and the importance of a specific clinical and radiographic diagnose in dogs. It is noteworthy to report the difficulty to reduce the size of the associated esophagus mass even after a potent anthelmintic treatment.

Spirocerca lupi é um parasito nematoide que pode ser encontrado no esôfago e na aorta de carnívoros, incluindo humanos. Os animais afetados pela doença podem desenvolver de lesões leves a graves, dependendo do grau de infecção, migração larval e resposta inflamatória. O presente trabalho descreve a ocorrência do parasito em um cão Chow Chow de 16 anos de idade, com infecção crônica, apresentando megaesôfago secundário associado a uma crítica obstrução do órgão. Após a identificação do ovo do parasito, foi realizado tratamento antiparasitário oral com a combinação de milbemicina e praziquantel, nos dias zero, sete e 28 após o diagnóstico. Também foi realizado esofagograma, confirmando o megaesôfago secundário. A equipe médica decidiu pela eutanásia do cão devido a sua complicação da condição clínica quando o paciente retornou, mesmo após o tratamento com anti-helmíntico. Este relato é importante porque descreve um caso após 18 anos de silêncio epidemiológico na região metropolitana de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. Os presentes dados visam conscientizar sobre a prevalência dessa doença zoonótica e a importância de um diagnóstico clínico e radiográfico específico em cães. É digno de nota relatar a dificuldade em reduzir o tamanho da massa esofágica associada, mesmo após um tratamento anti-helmíntico potente.

Spirocerca lupi (Spirurida: Spirocercidae) infection associated to secondary megaesophagus and obstructive process in a senile dog / Infecção por Spirocerca lupi (Spirurida: Spirocercidae) associada a megaesôfago secundário e processo obstrutivo em um cão senil

Spirocerca lupi is a nematode parasite that can be found in the esophagus and aorta of carnivores, including humans. Affected animals may develop mild to severe lesions, depending on the degree of infection, route of larval migration and the inflammatory response. The present work describes the occurrence of S. lupi in a 16-year old male Chow Chow dog, presenting a chronic esophagus infection, associated with a critical obstruction. After the identification of the parasite egg by faecal exam, the patient was treated with milbemycin in combination with praziquantel P.O., in days zero, seven and 28 after the diagnose. An esophagogram was also performed, confirming the secondary megaesophagus. The team of clinicians decide to perform a euthanasia due to the complication of the patient"s condition, even after the anthelmintic treatment. This report is important as it describes a case after 18 years of epidemiological silence in the Metropolitan region of Curitiba, PR, Brazil. The present data aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of this zoonotic disease and the importance of a specific clinical and radiographic diagnose in dogs. It is noteworthy to report the difficulty to reduce the size of the associated esophagus mass even after a potent anthelmintic treatment.(AU)

Spirocerca lupi é um parasito nematoide que pode ser encontrado no esôfago e na aorta de carnívoros, incluindo humanos. Os animais afetados pela doença podem desenvolver de lesões leves a graves, dependendo do grau de infecção, migração larval e resposta inflamatória. O presente trabalho descreve a ocorrência do parasito em um cão Chow Chow de 16 anos de idade, com infecção crônica, apresentando megaesôfago secundário associado a uma crítica obstrução do órgão. Após a identificação do ovo do parasito, foi realizado tratamento antiparasitário oral com a combinação de milbemicina e praziquantel, nos dias zero, sete e 28 após o diagnóstico. Também foi realizado esofagograma, confirmando o megaesôfago secundário. A equipe médica decidiu pela eutanásia do cão devido a sua complicação da condição clínica quando o paciente retornou, mesmo após o tratamento com anti-helmíntico. Este relato é importante porque descreve um caso após 18 anos de silêncio epidemiológico na região metropolitana de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. Os presentes dados visam conscientizar sobre a prevalência dessa doença zoonótica e a importância de um diagnóstico clínico e radiográfico específico em cães. É digno de nota relatar a dificuldade em reduzir o tamanho da massa esofágica associada, mesmo após um tratamento anti-helmíntico potente.(AU)

Spirocerca lupi: aspectos gerais do parasito e da espirocercose em cães / Spirocerca lupi: general aspects of parasite and spirocercosis in dogs

O nematódeo Spirocerca lupi, causador da espirocercose, é um parasito que acometeprincipalmente cães e canídeos silvestres. Seu ciclo biológico envolve hospedeirosintermediários, os besouros coprófagos e pequenas aves, répteis e roedores que servem como hospedeiros paratênicos. A doença é de ocorrência cosmopolita, com maior prevalência em países tropicais e subtropicais, sendo endêmica na África do Sul. Também já foi relatada em alguns países da América do Sul, incluindo o Brasil, sendo mais prevalente em cães de caça e cães errantes. Os vermes adultos parasitam esôfago, estômago e artéria aorta dos hospedeiros definitivos, provocando nódulos, granulomas e diversas lesões. A sintomatologia da espirocercose varia de acordo com o processo migratório do parasito no organismo do animal, os órgãos afetados, bem como a evolução da doença. Sintomas como a regurgitação, a emese, a disfagia e a perda de peso, são as principais manifestações clínicas observadas em cães parasitados. O diagnóstico se baseia nos achados clínicos, exames de imagem, parasitológico de fezes ou das secreções daregugitação, emese e achados de necropsia. O tratamento pode ser clínico, ainda poucoviável, ou cirúrgico para remoção dos nódulos contendo os parasitos. Como medidas preventivas a literatura cita evitar o acesso de cães aos hospedeiros paratênicos e, além disso, eles não devem ser alimentados com vísceras cruas de outros animais domésticos e silvestres.

The nematode Spirocerca lupi, which causes spirocercosis, is a parasite that mainly affects dogs and wild canids. Its biological cycle involves intermediate hosts, the coprophagous beetles and small birds, reptiles and rodents that serve as paratenic hosts. The disease is of cosmopolitan occurrence with a higher prevalence in tropical and subtropical countries, being endemic in South Africa. It has also been reported in some South American countries, including Brazil, being more prevalent in hunting dogs and stray dogs. The adult worms parasite the esophagus, stomach and aorta artery of the definitive hosts, causing nodules, granulomas and several lesions. The symptoms of spirocercosis varies according to the migratory process of the parasite in the animal organism, the affected organs, as well as the evolution of the disease. Symptoms such regurgitation, dysphagia and weight loss are the main clinical manifestations observed in parasitized dogs. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings, imaging, parasitological examination of feces or secretions of the regurgitation, emese and necropsy findings. The treatment can be clinical, still little viable, or surgical for removal of the nodules containing the parasites. As preventive measures theliterature cites avoiding access of dogs to paratenic hosts and, in addition, they should not be fed with raw viscera of other domestic and wild animals.

Spirocerca lupi: aspectos gerais do parasito e da espirocercose em cães / Spirocerca lupi: general aspects of parasite and spirocercosis in dogs

O nematódeo Spirocerca lupi, causador da espirocercose, é um parasito que acometeprincipalmente cães e canídeos silvestres. Seu ciclo biológico envolve hospedeirosintermediários, os besouros coprófagos e pequenas aves, répteis e roedores que servem como hospedeiros paratênicos. A doença é de ocorrência cosmopolita, com maior prevalência em países tropicais e subtropicais, sendo endêmica na África do Sul. Também já foi relatada em alguns países da América do Sul, incluindo o Brasil, sendo mais prevalente em cães de caça e cães errantes. Os vermes adultos parasitam esôfago, estômago e artéria aorta dos hospedeiros definitivos, provocando nódulos, granulomas e diversas lesões. A sintomatologia da espirocercose varia de acordo com o processo migratório do parasito no organismo do animal, os órgãos afetados, bem como a evolução da doença. Sintomas como a regurgitação, a emese, a disfagia e a perda de peso, são as principais manifestações clínicas observadas em cães parasitados. O diagnóstico se baseia nos achados clínicos, exames de imagem, parasitológico de fezes ou das secreções daregugitação, emese e achados de necropsia. O tratamento pode ser clínico, ainda poucoviável, ou cirúrgico para remoção dos nódulos contendo os parasitos. Como medidas preventivas a literatura cita evitar o acesso de cães aos hospedeiros paratênicos e, além disso, eles não devem ser alimentados com vísceras cruas de outros animais domésticos e silvestres.(AU)

The nematode Spirocerca lupi, which causes spirocercosis, is a parasite that mainly affects dogs and wild canids. Its biological cycle involves intermediate hosts, the coprophagous beetles and small birds, reptiles and rodents that serve as paratenic hosts. The disease is of cosmopolitan occurrence with a higher prevalence in tropical and subtropical countries, being endemic in South Africa. It has also been reported in some South American countries, including Brazil, being more prevalent in hunting dogs and stray dogs. The adult worms parasite the esophagus, stomach and aorta artery of the definitive hosts, causing nodules, granulomas and several lesions. The symptoms of spirocercosis varies according to the migratory process of the parasite in the animal organism, the affected organs, as well as the evolution of the disease. Symptoms such regurgitation, dysphagia and weight loss are the main clinical manifestations observed in parasitized dogs. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings, imaging, parasitological examination of feces or secretions of the regurgitation, emese and necropsy findings. The treatment can be clinical, still little viable, or surgical for removal of the nodules containing the parasites. As preventive measures theliterature cites avoiding access of dogs to paratenic hosts and, in addition, they should not be fed with raw viscera of other domestic and wild animals.(AU)

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)