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TOday'S VeTerinary PracTice | September/October 2015 | tvpjournal.com ParaSiTOlOgy eXPerTiSe FrOM THe ncVP Peer reviewed 52 fundus of the stomach, each with red, slender nematodes protruding and, while an incidental finding, this parasite represents a differential diagnosis for multiple masses in the stomach of cats. • infection with this parasite can mimic feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia. Eucoleus (Capillaria) boehmi in the Dog: Six Case Studies Thomas J. Nolan, MS, PhD, University of Pennsylvania • Eucoleus boehmi is a nematode that inhabits the nasal mucosa of dogs (Figure 1); this presentation reviewed 6 reported cases in the mid-atlantic region. • diagnosis of this parasite is accomplished either by identifying: » eggs on fecal examination, correctly identifying them to species » adult worms in the nasal cavity via rhinoscopy (with or without biopsy). • The eggs of this parasite must be differentiated from those of the canine whipworm, Trichuris vulpis . • in this limited sample, both milbemycin oxime (single dose of 2 mg/kg PO) and topical moxidectin at the label-approved dose appear to be successful at treating the infection, but veterinarians should follow up over time with fecal flotation or rhinoscopy as nasal polyps may return. 2,3 Canine Ocular Onchocerciasis in Western Canada: Adoption-Mediated Introduction of a Zoonotic Parasite Guilherme Verocai, DVM, MSc, PhD, Diplomate ACVM, University of Calgary & University of South Florida • The causative agent of canine onchocerciasis is Onchocerca lupi, an ocular nematode of dogs and wild canids. 4 While this case was diagnosed in canada, the canine patient was from arizona, an area where the infection is more common, albeit still considered relatively rare. • canine onchocerciasis commonly presents with conjunctivitis, lateral scleral thickening, and conjunctival masses. • Treatment requires surgery, which may include removal of nodules or enucleation, and ophthalmology consults are often involved. Post surgery, a combination of high dose ivermectin and doxycycline has been used to target any microfilaria circulating in the skin. • This case highlights the importance of considering full travel history when diagnosing novel parasites and infections. Parasites on the Move: Canine Peritoneal Larval Cestodiasis in a Colorado Dog Lora Ballweber, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVM, Colorado State University • asexual multiplication of larval Mesocestoides species causes severe, life-threatening disease in dogs and, occasionally, cats. aggressive treatment is necessary, and prognosis is grave. 5 • This clinical case presentation described a dog that moved from Oregon to colorado; developed abdominal distention, ascites, and diarrhea; and was diagnosed with diffuse granulomatous peritonitis. • Microscopic and molecular examination of tissue recovered during exploratory surgery confirmed canine peritoneal larval cestodiasis caused by Mesocestoides , a parasite that is more commonly reported from the West coast. INCREASING RISK OF PARASITES & VECTOR-BORNE INFECTIONS research continues to document the importance of parasites in ever-expanding geographic locales. This apparent spread of parasites is likely due to a number of different factors, including fuctuating climate patterns, changing habitat, movement of animals (and their parasites) to new areas, increased contact between animals, and even Figure 1. eucoleus boehmi: Canine fecal fotation with centrifugation demonstrating the asymmetrical egg of e boehmi . These eggs are approximately 54 to 60 mcm by 30 to 35 mcm and must be differentiated from Trichuris vulpis , E aerophilus , and other capillarids in a canine fecal examination. Courtesy National Center for Veterinary Parasitology