Clinical diagnosis of Spirocerca lupi infestation in dogs

The clinical criteria used to establish a diagnosis of Spirocerca lupi infestation in dogs are discussed, with special emphasis on the radiographic feature that may be observed. Plain radiographs show a typical grey circumscribed area posterior to the heart. Following the administration of a barium meal this area takes on a dappled appearance due to barium accumulated in the crypts of the S. lupi granuloma. The granuloma itself may be outlined by the barium.