Parasitic pneumonia in a dog caused by a lung fluke of the genus Paragonimus

• Published in: Journal of the South African Veterinary Association Vol. 58; no. 4; p. 203
• Main Authors: Van Rensburg, I B, Verster, A, Hiza, M A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: South Africa 01.12.1987
• Subjects: Animals; Dog Diseases - parasitology; Dog Diseases - pathology; Dogs; Female; Lung - parasitology; Lung - pathology; Lung Diseases, Parasitic - parasitology; Lung Diseases, Parasitic - pathology; Lung Diseases, Parasitic - veterinary; Paragonimiasis - parasitology; Paragonimiasis - pathology; Paragonimiasis - veterinary; Paragonimus - isolation & purification; Pneumonia - parasitology; Pneumonia - pathology; Pneumonia - veterinary
• ISSN: 1019-9128

Post mortem examination of a dog that died after a spell of respiratory distress revealed about 20 randomly distributed cystic lesions in the lungs. Those examined each harboured 2 light-brownish conical flukes approximately 10 mm in length. Histopathological examination of such a lesion revealed the presence of Paragonimus (lung fluke) embedded in it. The parasite had a typical spiny integument as well as other characteristics typical for the genus. Typical pigmented operculated eggs were embedded in the surrounding tissues. The life cycle of the parasite is briefly discussed.