Nephrotomy as a surgical approach for renal dioctophymosis in eighteen dogs

Dioctophymosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Dioctophyme renale, a nematode that can reach up to 100 cm in length and is commonly known as the "giant kidney worm." The parasite shows a marked predilection for the right kidney, and ultrasonography is the diagnostic method of choice, allowing visualization of characteristic tubular structures within the renal parenchyma. Surgical intervention remains the only established treatment, with nephrectomy being the most commonly performed procedure, although nephrotomy may be considered in cases with residual renal parenchyma. This study aimed to retrospectively describe the surgical technique, patient selection criteria, and postoperative outcomes of open nephrotomy in dogs with renal D. renale infection. Eighteen dogs diagnosed with right renal dioctophymosis between 2017 and 2024 were included. Patient selection was based on ultrasonographic evidence of preserved renal parenchyma. A paracostal approach was used in most cases to optimize renal exposure, and vascular occlusion was achieved using a Rummel tourniquet, with ischemia time maintained below 20 min. Parasite removal was successfully achieved in all patients. Postoperative monitoring showed stable or improved serum creatinine concentrations in the evaluated cases. Nephrotomy was a feasible surgical option in selected patients with renal dioctophymosis. Early diagnosis, before complete parenchymal destruction occurs, may increase the number of candidates for this approach, although further prospective studies are needed to better characterize long-term outcomes and refine patient selection criteria.