Spirocerca lupi in dogs of Yucatan, Mexico: Case report and retrospective study

Abstract

Objective. To describe the case report of a parasitized dog with Spirocera lupi in Yucatan, Mexico, as well as report cases registered in two laboratories during 18 years of parasitological and necropsy studies (2000-2017). Materials and methods. A case study is reported, with necropsy, histological and parasitological findings. Likewise, a retrospective study of cases reported in two laboratories where necropsies and faecal Flotation techniques (centrifugal and McMaster) were performed. Results. At the necropsy of the dog, three esophageal nodules were observed, which showed nematodes of S. lupi during the incision of the mass. The histological study showed an eosinophilic granuloma that contained the nematodes at its center, surrounded by a moderate inflammatory infiltrate formed by neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages, delimited by a capsule of fibrous connective tissue. In the retrospective study, prevalence of 0.18 and 0.48% were found by coprological tests and necropsy study, respectively. Conclusions. Spirocerca lupi is present in dogs from Yucatan, Mexico with low prevalence, producing in the esophagus of dogs lesions characterized by eosinophilic granulomas. The need to include this pathology in the differential diagnosis of esophageal and respiratory problems in dogs is disclosed.