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Canine ocular onchocercosis in Hungary.
1Department of Pathology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, H-1400, P.O. Box 2, Budapest, Hungary.
Veterinary Parasitology
|June 8, 2001
Summary
This study documents the first ocular Onchocerca infection in a European dog. The findings suggest onchocercosis should be considered for eye nodules in dogs across Europe.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Ocular Pathology
Background:
- Onchocerca nematodes are known filaroid parasites.
- Ocular Onchocerca infections have been documented in dogs in the United States.
Observation:
- An adult mongrel dog in Hungary presented with Onchocerca nematodes in ocular granulomatous masses.
- Parasite morphology included a two-layered cuticle with distinct ridges and striations.
- Microfilariae were observed within female uteri and surrounding tissues.
Findings:
- The Hungarian case exhibited similar parasite morphology and histopathology to US cases.
- This represents the first documented ocular Onchocerca infection in a dog outside the western United States.
- The microfilariae were exceptionally small.
Implications:
- Ocular onchocercosis should be included in the differential diagnosis for dogs with ocular or periocular nodules in Europe.
- This finding expands the known geographic range of canine ocular onchocercosis.