Managing Spirocerca lupi — a parasitic nematode causing oesophageal nodules and welfare challenges.
Spirocerca lupi causes welfare impairment through multiple mechanisms. The migration of larvae through arterial walls causes aortic aneurysms — potentially catastrophic if they rupture. Oesophageal nodules cause regurgitation, dysphagia, and weight loss. The transformation of nodules into malignant tumours causes progressive and fatal disease in affected dogs.
Dogs in endemic regions (Southern Africa, Middle East, Southern Europe, Southern USA) are at risk without adequate preventive treatment. The sporadic vomiting and regurgitation of oesophageal spirocercosis is often attributed to other causes, delaying diagnosis until significant disease has developed.
Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment monitoring, combined with monthly anthelmintic prophylaxis using doramectin, provides effective welfare protection in endemic areas. Treatment of established cases with doramectin achieves nodule resolution in most pre-neoplastic cases. Dogs in endemic regions should be screened by endoscopy or fluoroscopy if clinical signs suggest oesophageal disease.