Strongyloides stercoralis-like infection in a dog

Helminths similar to Strongyloides stercoralis were recovered from the jejunum and ileum of a 6-month-old Boston Terrier that was shedding unusually large eggs, both unembryonated and embryonated, as well as first-stage larvae in fresh feces. Clinical signs included stunting, mucoid and blood-flecked feces, radiographic evidence of diffuse interstitial pulmonary infiltrate, focal dermatitis, and anemia. Decreased intestinal absorption of carbohydrate was found by means of the oral glucose and oral lactose tolerance tests. Serum protein and calcium values were decreased. At necropsy, histopathologic findings included uneven crypt hyperplasia and mild inflammation in the ileum and jejunum, diffuse interstitial pulmonary inflammation, Kupffer's cell hyperplasia in the liver, and generalized lymph node hyperplasia.