Presumptive central nervous system cuterebriasis and concurrent protein-losing nephropathy in a dog.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical course and successful management of a dog suspected to have central nervous system (CNS) Cuterebra larval migration and concurrent protein-losing nephropathy (PLN).


METHODS
A 1-year-old castrated male mixed breed dog was diagnosed with presumptive CNS cuterebriasis based on history, progressively deteriorating mentation, seizures, and magnetic resonance images showing a tubular lesion consistent with a migrating Cuterebra tract. Additionally, serum biochemistry and urine analyses revealed the development of a severe PLN. Surgical removal of the Cuterebra was attempted unsuccessfully, and subsequently, the dog was treated with ivermectin, antihistamines, anticonvulsants, and a tapering dose of glucocorticoids. Over several weeks the dog's neurologic status improved and the PLN resolved completely.


CONCLUSIONS
This case describes successful management of presumptive CNS cuterebriasis in a dog. It is also, to our knowledge, the first report of PLN associated with cuterebriasis in the veterinary literature.
Section of Critical Care, Department of Clinical Studies – Philadelphia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. vthawley@vet.upenn.edu
Vincent J
VJ
Thawley
Jantra N
JN
Suran
Elise M
EM
Boller
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000977:Antiparasitic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020807:Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D007814:Larva / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009198:Myiasis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000977:Antiparasitic Agents; D007559:Ivermectin