Effects of Pine Processionary Caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa Contact in Dogs: 41 Cases (2002–2006)

Abstract

The pine processionary caterpillar, Thaumetopoea pityocampa, is considered an emerging pine pest in Mediterranean countries, with high medical relevance. In recent years, adverse reactions reports in humans following contact with T. pityocampa have been increasingly reported. Dogs living in pinewood areas are also frequently exposed to the caterpillar. This work consisted on a retrospective study of 41 cases of lepidopterism. All dogs presented drooling, dysphagia, submandibular lymphadenomegaly and clinical signs of pain. The animals were distributed in three groups, according to the time span from exposure to the caterpillar until presentation: up to 2 h (group 1), 2-5 h (group 2) and more than 5 h (group 3). All animals from groups 2 (n = 5) and 3 (n = 9), and eight dogs from group 1 (n = 27) developed lingual necrosis. Lepidopterism coursed through a predictable clinical pattern. The evolution was mainly dependent on the time span between exposure to the caterpillar and medical intervention, which should take place earlier than 2 h from exposure.

Pine processionary caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa envenomation in 11 cats: a retrospective study

“…The clinical relevance of mucosal and skin flushing has been noted in previous reports and appears to be the cornerstone to preventing necrosis, especially in the tongue. 2,9 In the present study, 91% of cats received intravenous steroids at anti-inflammatory doses in their therapeutic plans. While some of our patients received dexamethasone and others received methylprednisolone, no study has been able to demonstrate any superiority of one treatment over the other in the management of CPPM envenomation.…”

“…1 The caterpillar of the pine processionary moth (CPPM; Figure 1) may affect human and animal health, as even a single contact is known to provoke strong inflammatory and allergic reactions. 2 The CPPM is a widely and frequently seen species that can be found in rural and urban areas in Central and Southern Europe. 3 The natural distribution of these caterpillars has recently expanded in latitude and longitude as a result of of climate change and global warming.…”

Ocular lesions produced by pine processionary caterpillar setae (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) in dogs: a descriptive study

“…The most common lesions in human are contact urticaria and papular rashes of the skin, but ocular and respiratory tract involvement has also been described . In dogs, the few case reports of PPC report glossitis and necrosis of the tongue as the most common lesion, although ocular and respiratory tract involvement is also briefly referred …”

„Eichen sollst Du weichen“ – Eichenprozessionsspinner als potenzielle Gefahr

“…Ptyalismus, Dysphagie und Schmerzen traten bei 100 % der 41 beschriebenen Hunde auf [8]. Die Akkumulation von Antigen-Antikörper-Komplexen führt zu einer Bildung von Mikrothromben, die die Mikrozirkulation blockieren und somit zu Gewebsnekrosen führen.…”

“…Submandibulare Ödeme, Gesichtsjuckreiz und Erbrechen werden ebenfalls berichtet [8]. Bei einer Gruppe von 21 Hunden kam es neben den oben erwähnten Symptomen auch zu Lymphadenopathie, Tachypnoe, Tachykardie, Hyperthermie und zum Gesichtsödem (▶ Abb.…”