Nasal infestation by Linguatula serrata in a dog in the UK: a case report

A two-year-old, female neutered, cross-breed dog imported from Romania was diagnosed with nasal infestation of Linguatula serrata after she sneezed out an adult female. The dog was presented with mucopurulent/sanguinous nasal discharge, marked left-sided exophthalmia, conjunctival hyperaemia and chemosis. Computed tomography and left frontal sinusotomy revealed no further evidence of adult parasites. In addition, there was no evidence of egg shedding in the nasal secretions or faeces. Clinical signs resolved within 48 hours of sinusotomy, and with systemic broad-spectrum antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Recommendations are given in this report regarding the management and follow-up of this important zoonotic disease.