Survival of a suspected case of central nervous system cuterebrosis in a dog: clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings

J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2006 May-Jun;42(3):238-42. doi: 10.5326/0420238.

Abstract

A 3-year-old, spayed female rat terrier was evaluated for acute onset of stupor, disorientation, and tetraparesis. Clinical signs progressed over 3 weeks to eventual right-sided hemiparesis and circling to the left. A Cuterebra spp. larva was discovered in the vomitus of the dog 2 weeks after the onset of clinical signs. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed chronic inflammation, and magnetic resonance imaging supported a diagnosis of a parasitic tract through the left cerebral hemisphere. Medical management included a tapering anti-inflammatory dose of prednisone. Clinical signs improved slowly over time. This is the first description of a presumptive antemortem diagnosis of canine cuterebrosis in the central nervous system.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / veterinary*
  • Diptera / growth & development*
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Larva
  • Myiasis / diagnosis
  • Myiasis / veterinary*