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Onchocerciasis in a California dog
T C Orihel1, L R Ash, H J Holshuh
1Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Summary
A 15-year-old dog presented with an extensive eye lesion, diagnosed as onchocerciasis. This marks the first reported case of patent onchocerciasis in a canine, likely acquired from other animal hosts.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Zoological Medicine
Background:
- Canine health can be impacted by parasitic infections acquired from various animal hosts.
- Onchocerca species are known filarial nematodes, typically found in cattle and horses, but not natural canine parasites.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old dog with a history of ranch and wildlife sanctuary living developed a severe granulomatous lesion affecting the right eye.
- Surgical removal of the eye and lesion was necessary due to the extensive nature of the condition.
- Microscopic examination confirmed the presence of Onchocerca species, including gravid female worms, male worms, and microfilariae in the skin.
Findings:
- The dog was diagnosed with patent onchocerciasis, a condition not previously documented in canines.
- The presence of Onchocerca species suggests accidental transmission from a non-canine host, such as cattle or horses, sharing the dog's environment.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for zoonotic or aberrant parasite transmission in mixed-animal environments.
- It underscores the importance of considering unusual parasitic infections in veterinary diagnostics, even when the host is not a typical reservoir.
- Further research may be needed to understand the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of Onchocerca in environments shared by domestic and wild animals.