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Physaloptera infection in 18 dogs with intermittent vomiting
S K Theisen1, S N LeGrange, S E Johnson
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
|April 4, 1998
Summary
Diagnosing Physaloptera infections in dogs can be challenging, as fecal tests are often negative. Endoscopic examination and pyrantel pamoate treatment showed promise in resolving vomiting in affected dogs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Parasitology
- Canine Health
Background:
- Physaloptera species are gastric nematodes that infect various carnivores.
- Clinical signs of Physaloptera infection in dogs often include vomiting and regurgitation.
- Diagnosis can be difficult due to intermittent egg shedding and low worm burdens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the endoscopic diagnosis and treatment outcomes of Physaloptera infections in dogs.
- To evaluate the efficacy of pyrantel pamoate in treating canine Physaloptera infections.
Main Methods:
- Endoscopic examination was used for diagnosis in 18 dogs presenting with vomiting.
- Fecal flotations were performed in a subset of cases.
- Treatment was administered using pyrantel pamoate.
Main Results:
- Vomiting was the primary clinical sign in all 18 cases; regurgitation was seen in four.
- Fecal flotations were negative for Physaloptera eggs in 12 examined dogs.
- Endoscopic visualization revealed only a single worm in 12 of the 18 cases.
- Fifteen of 18 dogs were treated with pyrantel pamoate.
- Ten of the 12 dogs with follow-up showed resolution of vomiting.
Conclusions:
- Endoscopic diagnosis is valuable for identifying Physaloptera infections in dogs, especially when fecal tests are negative.
- Pyrantel pamoate appears to be an effective treatment for resolving vomiting associated with canine Physaloptera infections.
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