Dioctophyme renale parasitism in domestic cat in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - first reported case

Abstract

Dioctophyme renale is a worldwide known nematode of dogs and other domestic and wild species, being uncommon in cats. Some findings of D. renale parasitism in dogs and other wild species are reported in Brazil; but only two cases were recorded in domestic cats. This study aimed to report renal parasitism of D. renale in domestic cat assisted at the Hospital of Veterinary Clinics from the Universidade Federal de Pelotas, in Pelotas city, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil; which were the first successfully diagnosed and treated case in this species. The patient had signs of urethral obstruction. D. renale eggs were detected through urinalysis, and parasite location was categorized as being in the entire medullary area of the right kidney by ultrasound exam. Right nephrectomy was established as therapy, once this organ was destroyed. A 20-cm long female and a 12-cm long male were removed with the right kidney, besides another 16-cm long male from left perirenal region. After 10 days of surgery, the patient was completely recovered from urinary dysfunction, being ready for hospital discharge.

Keywords

• Domestic cat
• Urethral obstruction
• Renal parasitism
• Kidney worm
• Nephrectomy.