title: Nematode dermatitis due to Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a dog.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Angiostrongylus vasorum is a nematode that primarily infects Canidae. The adult parasites are found in the pulmonary arterial circulation and the right side of the heart. The most common clinical sign is respiratory dysfunction. Bleeding, neurological, ocular, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders are also reported. Skin lesions are very unusual.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This report describes a nematode dermatitis due to A. vasorum infection. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of a dog infected with this parasite that initially presented with skin lesions only.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 3-year-old female Weimaraner dog presented with a crusted papular dermatitis on the bridge of the nose and on the pinnae, and an erythematous pododermatitis with erosions and perionyxis of one digit of 1 week's duration. Two weeks later the dog developed respiratory distress.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Skin scrapings and fungal culture were negative for parasites and dermatophytes. Histopathological examination showed dermal granulomas and pyogranulomas with eosinophils centred around parasitic elements compatible with nematode larvae. Angiostrongylus vasorum DNA was demonstrated in skin biopsies. Chest radiographs were compatible with verminous pneumonia and a Baermann test revealed A. vasorum larvae. The dog was treated orally with fenbendazole, with rapid improvement and complete cure after 3 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Angiostrongylus vasorum should be considered in dogs presented with skin lesions and respiratory signs. Skin biopsy, chest radiographs and Baermann test should be included in the diagnostic investigation.
authors.affiliation: Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Unité de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Dermatologie, Maisons-Alfort, 94704, France.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cavana
authors.affiliation: Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Unité de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Dermatologie, Maisons-Alfort, 94704, France.
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bensignor
authors.affiliation: Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Unité de Neurobiologie, Maisons-Alfort, 94704, France.
authors.forename: Stéphane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Blot
authors.affiliation: Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Unité d'Histologie et d'Anatomie Pathologique, Maisons-Alfort, 94704, France.
authors.forename: Marine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carlus
authors.affiliation: Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Unité de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Dermatologie, Maisons-Alfort, 94704, France.
authors.forename: René
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chermette
authors.affiliation: Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Unité de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Dermatologie, Maisons-Alfort, 94704, France.
authors.forename: Odile
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Crosaz
authors.affiliation: Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Felix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Grimm
authors.affiliation: Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Unité d'Histologie et d'Anatomie Pathologique, Maisons-Alfort, 94704, France.
authors.forename: Murielle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hurion
authors.affiliation: Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Unité de Neurobiologie, Maisons-Alfort, 94704, France.
authors.forename: Aurélien
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jeandel
authors.affiliation: Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Unité de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Dermatologie, Maisons-Alfort, 94704, France.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Polack
mesh_terms: D000801:Angiostrongylus; D000818:Animals; D000969:Antinematodal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005273:Fenbendazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D017206:Strongylida Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D000969:Antinematodal Agents; D005273:Fenbendazole