Dioctophyme renale in a domestic cat (Felis catus): Renal location and nephrectomy

BUTTI, MJ; FRANCHINI, GR; KAMENETZKY, L; RADMAN NILDA; TERMINIELLO, JD; MALDONADO, LL; LÓPEZ MERLO, M.; GAMBOA, I; GIORELLO, AN; LUNA, MF

Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports

Elsevier

Año: 2019 vol. 18

2405-9390

Dioctophymosis is caused by Dioctophyme renale, nematode with indirect life cycle. Its intermediate host is afreshwater oligochaete and its definitive host is a wild or household carnivore. The adult nematode develops inthe definite host, generally locating itself in the kidney. This article was meant to describe the first nephrectomyperformed in a domestic cat due to renal dioctophymosis in Argentina. The subject showed a non-specific appearanceof generally feeling ill, hematuria and mild diarrhea. It was diagnosed through abdominal ultrasound,followed by exploratory celiotomy and nephrectomy. After verifying absence of free specimens, the right kidneywas removed. This organ was found to be enlarged in a spheroidal manner in contrast to the left kidney, withsignificant thickening of the renal capsule, excessive congestion of vessels and adhesions involving the caudalvena cava. An adult nematode was removed from the right kidney and identified as Dioctophyme renale. Reportsof feline dioctophymosis are scarce being most of them necropsy findings. In this we are presenting a confirmedcase of D. renale removed by surgery from a live cat. The results presented here reinforces the fact that cats arealso appropriate definitive hosts for this parasite.