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Proliferative sparganosis in a dog.

Debora A Drake¹, Abigail D Carreño, Byron L Blagburn

¹Southpaw Animal Health, 15421 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618, USA.

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

|December 3, 2008

Summary

A Border Collie developed rapidly progressive sparganosis, a parasitic infection caused by larval cestodes (spargana). This zoonotic, water-borne disease proved refractory to antiparasitic treatment, highlighting the need for veterinary awareness.

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Area of Science:

Veterinary Parasitology
Zoonotic Diseases
Canine Pathology

Background:

A 21-month-old Border Collie presented with progressive lameness, pain, and edema.
The dog's environment included a marshy area, a potential source of water-borne parasites.

Observation:

Subcutaneous and intermuscular tissues contained cystic cavities filled with larval cestodes (spargana) and fluid.
Morphological and DNA analysis identified the parasite as likely Sparganum proliferum.
The dog exhibited fever, dyspnea, neutrophilia, and hypoproteinemia, progressing to septic pleuritis and peritonitis.

Findings:

Antiparasitic treatments (praziquantel, fenbendazole, nitazoxanide) were ineffective.
Necropsy revealed widespread parasitic cysts in soft tissues and larval cestodes in pleural and peritoneal cavities.
Severe neutrophilic inflammation and secondary bacterial infections were noted.

Implications:

Proliferative sparganosis in dogs can be rapidly progressive and resistant to treatment.
Veterinarians must recognize this zoonotic agent, emphasizing its water-borne transmission route.
Early diagnosis and awareness are crucial for managing this challenging parasitic infection.