HISTORY

A 12 kg, nine-year old, male, crossbred dog used for teaching in practical classes of parasitology was referred to the Teaching Hospital (University Luterana of Brazil. PortoAlegre) because the microscopic examination of urine sediment revealed the presence of ova of Dioctophyma renale. The dog was in good bodily condition. Results of urinalysis were reddish urine, a specific gravity of 1010, red blood cells and white blood cells. Haematology and serum biochemical values were within normal ranges. Abdominal radiographs revealed an enlarged right kidney. On ultrasonographic examination, the right kidney was larger than left kidney, the sonographic appearance was abnormal. There were multiple ring-like structures measuring between 5-10 mm, which had a double-layers wall, the outer was hyperechoic and the inner hypoechoic containing internal echoes, these structures deformed the appearance of the kidney. In longitudinal image, these ring-like structures were became in bands, where hypo and hyperechoic layers were alternated. The kidney was outlined by a thin hyperechoic rim. The left kidney appeared normal. The ultrasonographic findings observed in the right kidney associated with the presence of ova of Dioctophyma renale in urine sediment were consistent with the presence of the gravid female parasite in the right kidney. A right nephrectomy was performed. On gross examination of the right kidney, a severe dilatation with atrophy of renal tissue was observed. The kidney was a sac containing two parasites, one female and one male.

DISCUSSION

Diskospondylitis is a disease that causes destruction of the vertebrae disks and endplates. It is usually caused by bacteria and it is sometimes accompanied by neurologic deficits. Disseminated aspergillosis with diskospondylitis has been reported in the dog, although these cases are rare. In our case the aspergillosis was not disseminated since only neurologic deficits compatible with diskospondylitis were reported in this dog. Thoracic radiography was normal and there was no sign to suspect of a disseminated aspergillosis. This fungi are considered to be only opportunistic pathogens that are distributed in the environment, and their dissemination can occur in patients immunosuppressed as result of chronic illness, neoplasia, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or simply after a general anaesthetic. In our case, the dog had been undergone to a surgical procedure to remove the fourth premolar 3 days previously.