Nefrectomia em um cão infectado por Dioctophyma renale - Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasilîpt / Nephrectomy in a dog infected with Dioctophyma renale - Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

ABSTRACT

Background: Dioctophymosis is caused by Dioctophyma renale, a parasite known as the giant kidney worm, that canparasitize the kidneys of domestic and wild animals. There are also reports of its occurrence in humans, thus revealing itszoonotic potential. In most cases, parasitized animals are asymptomatic. This parasite can cause atrophy or destroy therenal parenchyma, although ectopic locations may occur. The diagnosis is made through ultrasonography, based on thepresence of eggs in the urine, visualization of the parasite, or during necropsy. Therefore, the aim of this work was to reportthe case of a young dog infected with D. renale and subjected to nephrectomy in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.Case A 6-month-old bitch with a clinical suspicion of hydronephrosis in the right kidney was referred to the VeterinaryHospital of Anhanguera-Uniderp University in the city of Campo Grande, MS. A physical examination of the patientrevealed an alteration in the urinary system. An abdominal ultrasound, urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC) tests andbiochemical profile were ordered. The erythrogram indicated erythrocytosis resulting from dehydration and loss of bodyfluids, while enzyme levels (creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and albumin) were within normal limits.The abdominal ultrasound showed the presence of a cylindrical and rounded structure characteristic of a nematode and inthe right kidney, and loss of renal parenchyma typical of D. renale infection. A urinalysis then revealed the presence ofhelminth eggs, confirming the diagnosis. The owner was informed about the need for nephrectomy of the affected rightkidney, which showed destruction of the renal parenchyma. One adult female and one adult male parasite were removedfrom inside the kidney, measuring approximately 50 cm and 35 cm in length. The patient was successfully treated, keptin hospital for observation, and returned two weeks later for reassessment of her...