A clinical case of diagnosis and treatment of a dog with dioctophimosis (clinical case)
https://doi.org/10.52419/issn2072-2419.2025.4.132
Abstract
Cases of D. renale infection have been reported in Russia, but they are relatively rare. The species D. renale reaches a length of up to 1 meter in females and affects, as a rule, the right kidney of carnivorous, wild and domestic mammals. The disease is characterized by damage to the kidneys, renal pelvis and general intoxication of the body. This article describes a clinical case of diagnosis of dioctophimosis and treatment of a 3-year-old dog brought from the Republic of Kazakhstan to Moscow. The dog was admitted to a veterinary clinic in December 2024 with signs of urinary retention and the presence of blood in it. To clarify the diagnosis, laboratory tests were performed, which included a general urinalysis, general and biochemical blood tests, as well as an ultrasound examination of the kidneys. The results of the blood test showed impaired kidney function. Urine analysis revealed hematuria, as well as eggs of D. renale helminths. An ultrasound examination of the kidneys was performed, which confirmed the presence of helminths in the renal pelvis. The diagnosis of dioctophimosis is confirmed by the results of a lifetime laboratory diagnosis – photographs of characteristic eggs of the parasite. The patient was prescribed fenbendazole and ivermectin as anthelmintic drugs. The only treatment for dogs with dioctophimosis is surgery and removal of the dioctophyma from the affected organ (kidney). The ultrasound data, which confirmed the presence of sexually mature D. renale worms in the right kidney, served as the basis for unilateral nephrectomy. The operated patient's condition is satisfactory, and the prognosis after surgery is favorable.
Keywords
dioctophimosis,
carnivores,
helminthiasis,
monitoring,
hematuria,
ultrasound,
urine,
kidneys,
surgical treatment
About the Authors
Yu. E. Kuznetsov
St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Dr. of Veterinary Science, Assoc. Professor, Head of the Department of of Parasitology named after V. L. Yakimov
N. V. Kuznetsova
St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
PhD in Veterinary Science, Assoc. Professor of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
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Review
For citations:
Kuznetsov Yu.E., Kuznetsova N.V. A clinical case of diagnosis and treatment of a dog with dioctophimosis (clinical case). International Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 2025;(4):132-138. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.52419/issn2072-2419.2025.4.132
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