Intraocular localization of Onchocerca lupi adult worm in a dog with anterior uveitis: A case report.
OBJECTIVE
Canine ocular onchocercosis may represent an important ocular disease with zoonotic potential and widespread geographical distribution. An uncommon localization of Onchocerca lupi adult worm in the anterior chamber of the eye is described for the first time.


METHODS
A 4-year-old, intact, male, mixed-breed dog was admitted with profuse lacrimation and severe squinting. On the right eye, there were mucopurulent discharge, chemosis, and all typical signs of anterior uveitis which were attributed to the presence of a moving filarial worm within the anterior chamber.


METHODS
Removal of the parasite from the anterior chamber by a limbal incision revealed a mature adult male, 7.65-cm-long O. lupi worm. Periocular skin scrapings for the corresponding microfilariae were negative. Postoperatively, apart from systemic prednisolone and doxycycline hyclate and a topical antibiotic/steroid solution, parenteral melarsomine, followed by ivermectin, was given until the complete disappearance of the ocular lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
Intraocular onchocercosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of canine anterior uveitis in endemic areas. This case highlights the atypical localization of O. lupi in the canine eye emphasizing on the possibility for a complete cure after the surgical removal of the parasite and the filaricidal medication subsequently applied.
Ophthalmology Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), 11, St. Voutira st., 54627, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Anastasia Th
AT
Komnenou
Ophthalmology Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), 11, St. Voutira st., 54627, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Angelos L N
AL
Thomas
Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Campus, 54124, Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
Elias
E
Papadopoulos
Quality Vet Practice, 94, 54th Syntagmatos st., 38333, Volos, Greece.
Alex F
AF
Koutinas

O. lupi
; canine; dog; intraocular; onchocercosis; uveitis