RENAL DIOCTOPHYMOSIS ASSOCIATED WITH MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES AND PERIRENAL ADHESIONS IN A FEMALE DOG: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Dioctophymosis is a parasitic disease caused by the nematode Dioctophyme renale, which primarily affects the right kidney of dogs and may lead to progressive destruction of the renal parenchyma. This study reports the case of an 11-year-old mixed-breed female dog presented with a history of transient episodes of locomotor abnormalities and dysuria. Laboratory tests showed no impairment of renal function, whereas ultrasonography revealed marked atrophy of the right renal parenchyma, hydronephrosis, and structures suggestive of D. renale, as well as splenic abnormalities and a mesogastric mass. Exploratory celiotomy revealed extensive perirenal adhesions and fibrosis with distortion of the renal hilar anatomy, which complicated pedicle dissection and resulted in intraoperative hemorrhage that was subsequently controlled. Right nephrectomy was performed, and after removal of the kidney, three nematodes with macroscopic characteristics consistent with D. renale were identified. Splenectomy and excision of the abdominal mass were also performed. The patient remained stable during the immediate postoperative period. This case highlights the importance of ultrasonography for the diagnosis and therapeutic planning of dioctophymosis and demonstrates that fibrotic and adhesive changes may increase the complexity of the surgical approach.