Dioctophyme renale (giant kidney worm) in a dog: A review of a parasitic disease requiring surgical treatment
Date
2025-01
Authors
Zadeh, Abedin Shaban
Carr, Anthony P
Jenkins, Emily J
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Vet Record Case Reports
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Article
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Abstract
Infection with the nematode Dioctophyme renale (giant kidney worm) in dogs and other mammals occurs following the ingestion of an aquatic host containing the infective larvae. This parasitic disease has no known effective pharmaceutical treatment. This case report describes a 7-month-old, entire, female Husky with a 2-month history of haematuria and intermittent vomiting. An abdominal ultrasound examination and microscopic finding of eggs of D. renale in urine sediment helped to establish the diagnosis. The affected right kidney and retroperitoneal worms were removed by exploratory celiotomy. The sonographic features of the worms and a comprehensive review of the latest literature, suggesting future research topics on early serological diagnosis, medical treatment options and the most recent nephron-sparing nephrotomy techniques (via nephroscopy or laparoscopy), are discussed.
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Keywords
kidney worm, dog, sonography
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DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.1101