Further observations on canine spirocercosis in Kenya

Abstract

In a 10-year period, 39 clinical cases were presented, and of 1607 dogs examined PM, 206 had lesions. Most animals were from good homes: 45% were German Shepherds, 23% Labradors, 14% Boxers and 10% Dachshunds. Symptoms included vomiting, weight loss, anaemia, anorexia, respiratory embarassment, and pain in the thoracolumbar region. Diagnosis was confirmed by radiography or eosophagoscopy. Of the clinical cases, 29 had fibrosarcomas or osteosarcomas and 4 had parasarcomas (lesions with more malignant tendencies). The incidence according to age suggested that fibrosarcomas undergo metaplasia into osteosarcomas. PM findings are described, accompanied by 6 photographs. Of the 206 cases, 131 had lesions in oesophagus/aorta, 45 in aorta, 29 in oesophagus and 17 in stomach. The aortic lesions were characteristically aneurysms, which are diagnostic for this parasite. Oesophageal lesions were mostly within the wall, and often protruded into the lumen. They were up to 6 cm in diameter and often contained worms. Stomach lesions were up to 4 cm, and larger ones contained worms. Associated lesions included deformative spondylitis of thoracic vertebrae, and hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy. All lesions were progressive, although the presence of plasma cells indicated an immune response