Oslerus osleri (dog)
Category:
Species:
Endoparasite
Description:
Nematode
Lungworm
Distribution: Worldwide.
Host: Infecting foxes and dogs – direct oral transmission from bitches to pups. Pre-patent period is 10 weeks and the patent period is unknown. Lumenal nodules in the tracheal bifurcation in dogs, coyotes, wolves, dingoes, and foxes.
Life Cycle: Infection follows ingestion of frst-stage larvae from sputum or vomitus of an infected dog or other canid. This life cycle varies from that of other strongylid lungworms because the first larval stage is infective for the defnitive host. Typically, the third larval stage is the infective form.
Diagnosis: Detection of live larvae in fresh faeces using the Baermann method or by microscopic detection of larvae in bronchial lavage material. Adult worms inhabit nodules at the base of the trachea – these may be seen on radiography or endoscopy.
Size: 232–266 µm Larvae recovered from feces
Size: 325–378 µm Larvae recovered from trachea
Clinical features: Respiratory symptoms, coughing and possibly exercise intolerance. Younger animals tend to be more severely affected than older ones. Respiratory distress, chronic cough, and weight loss can occur. Heavily infected animals may die.
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