Computed tomographic findings in three dogs naturally infected withCrenosoma vulpis

Abstract

Crenosoma vulpis is a nematode lungworm found in wild and domestic canids in some parts of North America and Europe. Reported radiographic findings are nonspecific and consist of a combination of bronchial and interstitial changes of variable severity. This retrospective, case series study aimed to describe thoracic computed tomographic (CT) findings for a group of dogs with confirmed crenosomosis. Selection criteria were presentation with a chronic cough during the period of January 2016 to February 2017, evaluation by thoracic CT, and final diagnosis of C. vulpis infection based on bronchoscopic findings, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Medical records and CT images were retrieved and reviewed by a board-certified veterinary internist, a veterinary internal medicine resident, two board-certified veterinary radiologists, and a veterinary radiology intern, and findings were recorded. Three dogs met inclusion criteria. Thoracic CT findings for all dogs included the following: diffuse bronchial wall thickening, multifocal peribronchial ground glass attenuation, consolidation of the pulmonary parenchyma, and cylindrical bronchiectasis. In two dogs, the bronchial wall thickening was irregular to nodular, which was consistent with the bronchoscopic findings. Two dogs showed pulmonary parenchymal bands. Thoracic computed tomographic changes in dogs with C. vulpis are consistent with those seen on thoracic radiographs and crenosomosis should be considered in dogs with these findings.

Computed tomographic and bronchoscopic diagnosis of Oslerus osleri infection in a dog

“…10 However, the previous report noted further CT changes including diffuse bronchial wall thickening, peribronchial ground-glass attenuation, consolidation of pulmonary parenchyma, and bronchiectasis. 10 These diffuse and severe bronchial and interstitial changes were not present in our case, possibly attributed to the different host immune response triggered by the different species of lungworms. Additionally, the dogs in the previous report had a longer course of infection (2-4 months history of cough) compared with the reported dog (1-month history of cough), which may also have contributed to the more advanced pulmonary pathology.…”

“…In a previous report describing the CT findings in three dogs naturally infected with Crenosoma vulpis (the fox lungworm), bronchial thickening with an irregular to nodular pattern was reported, without thoracic lymphadenopathy 10 . However, the previous report noted further CT changes including diffuse bronchial wall thickening, peribronchial ground‐glass attenuation, consolidation of pulmonary parenchyma, and bronchiectasis 10 . These diffuse and severe bronchial and interstitial changes were not present in our case, possibly attributed to the different host immune response triggered by the different species of lungworms.…”

“…The CT features observed in our case are similar but less severe compared with other reports in the literature of infections with other species of lungworms, and reflect the previously documented radiographic findings, but the increased sensitivity of CT for airway lesions allows visualization of smaller nodules. In a previous report describing the CT findings in three dogs naturally infected with Crenosoma vulpis (the fox lungworm), bronchial thickening with an irregular to nodular pattern was reported, without thoracic lymphadenopathy 10 . However, the previous report noted further CT changes including diffuse bronchial wall thickening, peribronchial ground‐glass attenuation, consolidation of pulmonary parenchyma, and bronchiectasis 10 .…”

Crenosoma vulpis associated eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy in a young dog in Latvia

“…CT can be useful in the detection of lung lesions. In cases of C. vulpis infection, findings include bronchial wall thickening, peribronchial ground glass pattern, pulmonary parenchymal consolidation and bronchiectasis 14 …”

“…In cases of C. vulpis infection, findings include bronchial wall thickening, peribronchial ground glass pattern, pulmonary parenchymal consolidation and bronchiectasis. 14 There are multiple drugs available for the treatment of C. vulpis infection. Treatment with fenbendazole (50 mg/kg, 3-7 days) gives positive results.…”