Treatment of dog thelaziosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) using a topical formulation of imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5%

Canine thelaziosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda infects dogs, cats, foxes, rabbits, and humans resulting in conjunctivitis, pain and excessive lacrimation. T. callipaeda live in the eyes under the nictitating membrane and females release first stage larvae which are ingested by flies which act as intermediate hosts. Control of canine thelaziosis is currently based on the removal of nematodes directly from the eyes of affected dogs or on the local instillation of antiparasitic drugs. With the aim of evaluating the efficacy against T. callipaeda of an association of imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5% by spot-on formulation administered via dermal application, three groups of naturally infected animals were selected: i.e. group A (21 dogs) received a single dose of imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5% by spot-on; group B (21 dogs) received a single dose of imidacloprid 10% by spot-on and group C (20 dogs) were left untreated. The efficacy of treatments was established by eye inspection and parasite viability and vitality after 1, 5 and 9 days after animal treatments (groups A and B) and after 9 days only in untreated animals (group C). Imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5% in spot-on formulation showed to be effective with regards the control of dog thelaziosis within 5 (90.47%) to 9 (95.23%) days after treatment. Only one dog from group A presented nematodes after treatment. The presence of parasites in the eyes of dogs from groups B (imidacloprid 10%) and C confirm that the anthelmintic efficacy against T. callipaeda in animal from group A (imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5%) was most likely attributable to moxidectin 2.5%. The spot-on formulation containing imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5% is very easy to apply and helps overcome problems linked to the mechanical removal of parasites or to the restraining of the animals for the local instillation of drugs in the eyes.     

Emergence of canine ocular Thelaziosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda in southern Switzerland

In Europe, Thelazia callipaeda has been reported in Italy and France in the eyes of dogs, cats and foxes and, recently, also in humans. In southern Switzerland (Ticino), the first case of T. callipaeda in a dog was detected in 2000 and because of an increasing number of dog thelaziosis, a survey in veterinary practices was carried out. A total of 106 Thelazia-positive dogs from a retrospective analysis and from ongoing cases between 2005 and 2007 as well as five positive cats were reported. For a cross-sectional study, 529 randomly selected dogs (from six veterinary practices), to which anaesthesia was given for other medical reasons, were additionally checked for the presence of adult specimens of Thelazia in 2006: 28 dogs were found positive indicating an overall prevalence of 5.3%. Thelazia-infection was furthermore diagnosed in 7 of 126 foxes (5.6%) shot in Ticino in winter 2005-2006. Affected foxes, dogs and cats originated from the same regions up to 863m of altitude. The cats and 57.9% (55/95) of the infected dogs had never crossed the Swiss border. Collected nematodes were morphologically identified as T. callipaeda, and this diagnosis was confirmed by the analysis of a part of the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1), revealing haplotype 1, the only one so far found in Europe. Animals harboured 1-23 eye worms. The most common symptoms were conjunctivitis and epiphora, while keratitis was present only in a low number of animals. Young and small sized dogs were significantly less involved than large animals and over 3 years of age. The results indicate that thelaziosis is endemic in that area.     

First reports of autochthonous eyeworm infection by Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) in dogs and cat from France

Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) is a small nematode living in the conjunctival sac of domestic and wild carnivores, rabbits and humans causing lacrimation, epiphora, conjunctivitis, keratitis and even corneal ulcers. The first autochthonous cases of thelaziosis affecting four dogs and one cat living in South Western France (Dordogne area) are reported and described. Nematodes recovered from the animals were morphologically identified as T. callipaeda and a partial region of the cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 gene (cox1) was amplified by PCR from nematode specimens (from two dogs and the cat). In each case, this was shown to have an identical sequence to the haplotype 1 (h1) of T. callipaeda. So far, the arthropod acting as intermediate host of T. callipaeda eyeworms has not been identified in France although it might be Phortica variegata (Steganinae, Drosophilidae) as recently described in Italy.     

Current status and epidemiological observation of Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) in dogs, cats and foxes in Italy: a "coincidence" or a parasitic disease of the Old Continent?

Thelazia callipaeda is a spirurid nematode which causes ocular infections in dogs and man and, occasionally, in cats, foxes and rabbits. The intermediate host and vector of T. callipaeda is unknown. For a long time T. callipaeda incidence was reported only from the Russian Federation and the Far East, but recently it has also been found in Italy. In order to investigate the spread of T. callipaeda in Italy, a survey was carried out in two sites, site A in the Piedmont region (North West Italy), and site B in the Basilicata region (Southern Italy). Dogs, cats and foxes in site A and dogs in site B were examined for eyeworms, using different procedures and timing. From January 1995 to August 2002, 91 dogs, 4 cats and 903 fox carcasses were examined in site A, and from October 1999 to January 2003, 443 dogs were examined in site B, and the eyeworms collected were identified using morphological keys. Twenty-one (23.07%) and 185 (41.76%) of the dogs from sites A and B, respectively, were found to be infected by eyeworms; furthermore, all the cats examined and 46 fox carcasses (5.1%) were positive for eyeworms. All the nematodes collected were identified as T. callipaeda. These results indicate that T. callipaeda is not confined to Eastern Europe and Asia, but that it has spread to the Old Continent, and to both Northern and Southern Italy. Considering the high prevalence of infected dogs reported in some municipalities (e.g. 60.14% of 138 dogs examined in a municipality from site B), it is assumed that one or more vectors are significantly present in the areas under investigation. Furthermore, there is good reason to believe that T. callipaeda is also present in other European countries. Speculation as to the origins of this parasitic infestation in Europe and the biology of T. callipaeda and its vector/s is also discussed.     

Oestrus ovis infestation of a dog in the UK

In March 2011, a dog on a sheep farm in the Cotswolds, UK, expelled a mature live third-stage larva of the sheep nasal botfly, Oestrus ovis, after a violent and traumatic sneezing episode. The dog had been infected with first-stage larvae deposited by an adult fly the previous autumn; larval development had progressed throughout the winter and spring with few apparent clinical signs and possibly masked by ongoing immunotherapy for an unrelated condition. Identification of the parasite at the Liverpool School of Veterinary Science was made from a submitted puparium, the "chrysalis" stage to which the larva had progressed within days of its expulsion from dog's nose. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of nasal botfly infestation of a dog in the UK.     

Angiostrongylus vasorum in the anterior chamber of a dog's eye

An unusual case of Angiostrongylus vasorum infestation occurred in a three-year-old female cavalier King Charles spaniel. The dog presented with signs consistent with right otitis interna, followed by the appearance of a free-swimming nematode in the anterior chamber of the right eye. The dog died of acute heart failure before surgical removal of the parasite was possible. Post mortem examination confirmed the presence of large numbers of worms in the pulmonary artery and right ventricle. These worms were identified histologically as A vasorum.     

Rauwolfia serpentina toxicity in a dog

Objective– To describe the clinical manifestations and treatment of Rauwolfia serpentina toxicity in a dog. Case Summary– A 9‐month‐old intact male mixed breed dog was presented following ingestion of an antihypertensive medication containing alkaloids from R. serpentina. R. serpentina alkaloids cause depletion of the biologic amines: norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. The dog experienced hypotension, mental depression, bradycardia, diarrhea, bronchoconstriction, and gastrointestinal ulceration similar to the adverse effects reported in humans. The dog was released from the hospital after 4 days of supportive care. New Information Provided– This is the first case of accidental R. serpentina toxicity in a dog reported in the literature. This case had a good clinical outcome with supportive care and monitoring of all the subsequent adverse effects.     

Disseminated Acanthamoeba sp. infection in a dog

Several species of free-living amoebae can cause encephalomyelitis in animals and humans. Disseminated acanthamoebiasis was diagnosed in pyogranulomatous lesions in brain, thyroid, pancreas, heart, lymph nodes, and kidney of a one-year-old dog. Acanthamoeba sp. was identified in canine tissues by conventional histology, by immunofluorescence, by cultivation of the parasite from the brain of the dog that had been stored at -70 degrees C for two months, and by PCR. The sequence obtained from the PCR product from the amoeba from the dog was compared to other sequences in the Acanthamoeba sp. ribosomal DNA database and was determined to be genotype T1, associated with other isolates of Acanthamoeba obtained from granulomatous amebic encephalitis infections in humans.     

Pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of ophthalmomyiasis interna posterior in a dog

Unilateral chorioretinitis caused by ophthalmomyiasis interna posterior in a 5-month-old, female spayed Dachshund is reported. Larva removal by pars plana vitrectomy was performed after an unsuccessful photocoagulation of the organism. The larva was intact after surgical removal and was identified as a first stage instar Cuterebra spp. larva. The eye remains visual and comfortable with no signs of residual or recurrent inflammation postoperatively. This report describes, for the first time, the successful surgical retrieval of an intravitreal fly larva in a dog using vitrectomy techniques without sacrificing either the globe or vision, and taxonomic identification of the parasite.     

Cystic echinococcosis in Sudan and South Sudan: research history of a neglected zoonosis

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease affecting mainly various species of livestock and humans. This study aims at highlighting the course of research on cystic echinococcosis in different animals and humans in Sudan (including the recently independent state of South Sudan) since the disease was first reported in 1908. Recent data about the genetic identification of the parasite in the countries in both humans and animals and its importance for future control programs is discussed.     

First reported case of Hypoderma diana Brauer, 1985 (Diptera: Oestridae)-associated myiasis in a horse in Germany

A massive infestation with warble fly larvae was observed in a mare in Lower Saxony, Germany. From a herd of 20 horses, only a single mare accidently escaped the routine treatment with macrocyclic lactone in autumn and showed the myiasis infestation next year in January. Eighteen subcutaneous nodules were found on the back (n = 2), ribs (n = 3), flank (n = 5) and croup (n = 8). Deer, the specific hosts of the warble fly Hypoderma diana, was abundant on this farm and some other risk factors for the hypodermiosis are discussed herein. This is the first report of myiasis caused by H. diana in horses in Germany. This massive warble fly infestation in a horse in Germany reported here is important to alert equine health professionals concerning the prevention of this disease in the routine parasite control programme.     

Orbital cellulitis associated with Toxocara canis in a dog

Reports of Toxocara canis ocular larva migrans are uncommon in animals, with only a few cases reported. Most reports involve larval migration into the retina and choroid, with parasitic invasion of the orbit reported only in experimental studies. This is the first clinical case of Toxocara canis infection in the retrobulbar region of a 10-year-old, cross-bred male dog presenting with unilateral orbital cellulitis. Ophthalmic signs included protrusion of the nictitating membrane, chemosis, exophthalmos and hypertropia. The parasite was diagnosed by histologic and parasitologic examination of orbital tissues, which were removed during enucleation.     

Echinococcus multilocularis in dogs from two French endemic areas: no evidence of infection but hazardous deworming practices

The life cycle of the zoonotic parasite Echinococcus multilocularis is predominantly sylvatic, involving foxes as definitive hosts infected by predation of rodents, the intermediate hosts. The North-Eastern French departments of Meuse and Haute-Sa?ne are highly endemic, with an estimated fox prevalence of 41% and 36% respectively. Although most of the parasites' biomass occurs in foxes, domestic dogs can also be infected, leading to a major risk of human infection due to the close proximity of dogs and owners. In the present study, dog faeces were collected after praziquantel treatment provided by veterinarians. In all, 860 faecal samples were collected throughout Meuse (n=493) and Haute-Sa?ne (n=367). Intestinal helminth eggs were isolated from the faeces using a flotation technique and observed by microscopy. Parasite species were identified in samples positive for taeniid eggs by sequence analysis after PCR amplification. To study the factors associated with infestation, each sample was linked to a questionnaire filled in by the dog owners. Taeniid eggs were observed in seven faecal samples (0.8%) but none of them were positive for E. multilocularis. Thus, the apparent prevalence of E. multilocularis in dog populations is lower than 1.00% for Haute-Sa?ne and lower than 0.75% for Meuse. In Haute-Sa?ne, a high proportion of dogs observed suspected preying on rodents were not dewormed monthly. In endemic areas, these dogs must be considered at risk of transmitting E. multilocularis to humans.     

Cytologic detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the cerebrospinal fluid of a dog and in vitro isolation of a unique mouse-virulent recombinant strain

Parasites resembling Neospora caninum or Toxoplasma gondii were detected by cytologic examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a dog with neurologic disease. The dog became severely ill and was euthanized. Canine tissue homogenates were used for direct parasite isolation in cell culture, bioassay in 2 mouse lineages, and PCR. T. gondii was isolated in monkey kidney cells, and species identity was confirmed by PCR. Inoculated parasites were highly virulent for mice, which developed clinical signs and were euthanized immediately. PCR-RFLP for T. gondii using the cultured isolate (TgDgBA22) was conducted with 12 genetic markers, and a unique recombinant strain was identified. Detection of T. gondii by CSF cytology, although described in humans, had not been reported previously in dogs, to our knowledge, and was crucial for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in the examined dog.     

Glucocorticoid-dependent hypoadrenocorticism with thrombocytopenia and neutropenia mimicking sepsis in a Labrador retriever dog

Glucocorticoid-deficient hypoadrenocorticism (GDH) with immune-mediated-neutropenia (IMN) and -thrombocytopenia (IMT) were diagnosed in a 3-year-old Labrador retriever dog. Glucocorticoid-deficient hypoadrenocorticism is rare and diagnostically challenging as clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities are often nonspecific. Immune-mediated cytopenias and other autoimmune disorders, as part of an autoimmune polyglandular syndrome have been reported with hypoadrenocorticism in humans. This is the first reported case of hypoadrenocorticism and bicytopenia in a dog.     

Isolation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus lugdunensis in a dog with endocarditis

A 4-year-old male castrated Borzoi dog presented on referral for evaluation of pleural effusion, ventricular arrhythmias, and suspected dilated cardiomyopathy. Echocardiogram identified several masses along the chordae tendineae, as well as a long the annulus of the mitral valve. A blood culture was positive for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus lugdunensis. The dog was also positive for Bartonella DNA on PCR testing. Aggressive antibiotic therapy was instituted. However, the dog continued to have recurrent pleural effusion and progressive azotemia. The dog was euthanized 39 days after diagnosis. Necropsy confirmed the presence of intracardiac abscesses, thrombosis and endocarditis. S. lugdunensis is a recently identified rare cause of endocarditis in humans characterized by intracardiac abscess formation, highly destructive valvular lesions preferentially affecting the mitral valve and a high mortality rate. This is the first reported case of S. lugdunensis isolation in a dog with endocarditis.     

Multifocal odontoblastic dysplasia in a dog

A two-year-old Boerboel dog presented for a discolored left maxillary canine tooth. Dental radiographs revealed abnormally mineralized pulp within the discolored tooth. Similar radiographic findings were also seen in both maxillary third incisor teeth and in the remaining canine teeth to varying degrees. The discolored tooth was treated by surgical extraction and histopathology revealed abnormal dentin deposition within the canal indicative of dentin dysplasia. Although not previously documented in the dog, the pulpal changes in multiple teeth of the dog reported here were similar to those described for odontoblastic dysplasia in humans. This case report includes a review of developmental abnormalities of dentin in humans and pulpal response to inflammation and injury.     

Stray dog population health in Jodhpur, India in the wake of an animal birth control (ABC) program

Our objectives were to (1) estimate the prevalence of various health indices in the stray dog population in Jodhpur, India and (2) determine if there was an association between an animal birth control (ABC) program and the prevalence of these health indices in this population. A prevalence survey of 323 sexually intact stray dogs >3 months caught from the streets of Jodhpur from September to November, 2005 indicated that low body condition score (70%), skin conditions (69%) and tick infestation (68%) were the most common health problems in this population. An observational study of 888 stray dogs on the streets of Jodhpur from March to April, 2006 revealed that sterilized dogs were more likely to have a higher body condition score (BCS) than sexually intact dogs when controlling for age, based on a multinomial regression model. However, sterilized dogs were more likely to have a skin condition than sexually intact dogs, based on a logistic regression model. Our observations of the surgical/kennel facility indicated that an effective tick control program was needed. Additionally, the current parasite control protocol at the kennel/shelter facility was inadequate to treat mange, a contact-transmitted skin disease. This is the first study to evaluate the associations between an ABC program and stray dog health, apart from rabies.     

Paraneoplastic pemphigus in a dog with splenic sarcoma

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is an autoimmune blistering skin disease of humans that consists of characteristic skin lesions associated with concurrent neoplasia. In this study we provide histologic and serologic evidence to support a diagnosis of PNP in a dog with splenic sarcoma. Skin lesions consisted of widespread erosions involving haired skin, mucocutaneous junctions, and oral mucosa. Microscopic examination of skin and mucosae revealed lesions consistent with both pemphigus vulgaris and erythema multiforme. Immunoprecipitation confirmed that circulating IgG autoantibodies from this patient recognized five distinct antigens, presumed to represent epidermal plakins. Clinical, histopathologic, and immunologic findings in this patient were similar to those observed in human patients with PNP. The splenic neoplasia in this dog was diagnosed as a phenotypically variable spindle cell sarcoma. To date, only one other dog has been reported with PNP. This is the second reported case of canine PNP and the first patient in whom skin lesions were identified in association with splenic neoplasia.     

Unusual localization of Dirofilaria repens (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) infection in the testicle of a dog

This report describes an uncommon localization of Dirofilaria repens in the testicle of a nine-year-old dog from southern Italy. The dog underwent neutring and three adult nematodes were found in the tunica vaginalis. At gross anatomy, no pathological changes were observed on the tunica, in the testicle or epididymis. The parasites, one female and two males, were morphologically and molecularly identified as D. repens. This is the first report of D. repens in the canine testicle in Italy. This case report highlights the asymptomatic nature of D. repens infection, suggesting that dogs living in endemic areas may act as silent carriers. Careful screening and an effective chemoprophylaxis should be ensured for all animals potentially exposed to D. repens infection in order to reduce the risk of infection to humans in areas where the parasite is endemic.