# Dioctophymosis in a dog: renal and extra-renal colonization

## TL;DR

A dog with a rare parasitic infection in the kidney and abdomen was successfully treated with surgery.

## Contribution

This case highlights the importance of parasitic screening in rescued animals and the effectiveness of surgical treatment for unilateral dioctophymosis.

## Key findings

- Abdominal ultrasonography identified Dioctophyme renale in the kidney and free nematodes in the abdominal cavity.
- Surgical removal of the infected kidney and eight adult helminths led to successful recovery.
- The case emphasizes the need for parasitic screening in animals with unknown medical histories.

## Abstract

This report describes the case of a young mixed-breed female dog rescued in Bahia State, Brazil, and referred for veterinary care in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Abdominal ultrasonography showed findings consistent with Dioctophyme renale infection in the right kidney during routine pre-surgical screening and tubular structures suggestive of free nematodes in the abdominal cavity. Right nephrectomy was performed with ovariosalpingohysterectomy after clinical, laboratory and cardiologic assessments and it resulted in the removal of eight adult helminths. The procedure was uneventful and the patient showed good postoperative recovery. This case highlights the relevance of parasitic screening in rescued animals with no prior clinical history, as well as the effectiveness of surgical intervention in unilateral dioctophymosis cases.