title: Aberrant extradural spinal migration of Spirocerca lupi: four dogs.
abstract: Spirocerca lupi is a nematode mainly affecting dogs but has been found in other animals, particularly carnivores. Anatomical areas of typical and aberrant migration vary. This report describes four cases of Spirocerca lupi causing neurological symptoms, similar to thoracolumbar disc syndrome, as a result of aberrant migration of the nematode into the spinal canal. In two of the cases, the nematode could be demonstrated intraoperatively. The third was discovered on post-mortem examination, while the fourth case displayed compelling evidence of Spirocerca lupi involvement. Surgical removal of the Spirocerca lupi nematode would be the treatment of choice in cases of spinal migration, with therapeutic and preventive treatment with doramectin instituted to treat remote sites and prevent re-infection. In areas endemic for spirocercosis, Spirocerca lupi should be considered as an important differential diagnosis in cases that are presented with clinical signs suggestive of a spinal cord lesion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Du Plessis
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Keller
authors.forename: I R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Millward
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D013115:Spinal Canal / Q000469:parasitology*; D017205:Spirurida Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D013802:Thelazioidea / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000871:Anthelmintics; D007559:Ivermectin; C084101:doramectin