Filaroides hirthi in a dog: fatal hyperinfection suggestive of autoinfection.
Progressive dyspnea in a dog began 1 month after it had been hit by a car. Radiographs revealed diffuse interstitial and alveolar pneumonia. Large numbers of embryonated eggs were observed in bronchial washings; and many small nematodes, later identified as Filaroides hirthi, were found in the fine needle aspirates of pulmonary tissue. Numerous nematode larvae were demonstrated on fecal flotation. The severe hyperinfection strongly suggested autoinfection, probably associated with depressed immunologic competence due to chronic stress.
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005368:Filariasis / Q000209:etiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007814:Larva; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology