Alveolar Echinococcosis in 11-Month-Old Dog-Clinical Case

Abstract

In the present work, we describe the clinical-pathological case of an 11-month-old Border Collie dog, which was presented by its owner to a private veterinary clinic for the purpose of determining the diagnosis and subsequent therapy. The owner reports anamnestic data of abdominal enlargement, persistent apathy, fatigue, and vomiting. A complete examination of the patient was performed, consisting of clinical, hematological, and biochemical blood tests, X-ray, and USG examinations. Based on the findings, a probatory laparotomy was indicated, during which a large multi-lobular cystic irregular mass was detected, affecting the entire liver parenchyma, including macroscopic metastatic foci of the omentum and diaphragm. Due to the inoperable finding, the patient was humanely euthanized during the surgical procedure. Subsequently, an autopsy was performed with the collection of samples for histopathological and PCR examination of the tissue. Serological examination was also performed. The results confirmed a rare generalized form of alveococcosis (Echinococcus multilocularis) in the dog as an intermediate host.

Keywords: Echinococcus multilocularis; alveolar echinococcosis; parasitic zoonoses.

Figure 1

Complete results of laboratory assessment of hematological and biochemical parameters. Hematological examination indicates a mild degree of anemia (RBC 4.37  ×  10¹²/L; reference range [RR]: 5.5–8.5  ×  10¹² /L; HGB 10.3 g/dL, RR: 12–18 g/dL; HCT 27.9%, RR: 37–55). Biochemical examination of blood serum indicates mild hyperglycemia (8.4 mmol/L, RR: 3.1–6.7 mmol/L) and hyperglobulinemia (38  g/L; RR: 16–37  mmol/L), increased activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP, 4.02 µkat/L; RR: 0.1–4.0 µkat/L), gamma glutamyl transferase ([GGT], 0.23 µkat/L; RR: 0–0.16) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase ([GPT], 3.53 µkat/L; RR: 0.1–1 µkat/L). Other hematological and biochemistry parameters were within the physiological range.

Figure 2

X-rays of the patient’s abdominal cavity in the dorsoventral (A) and latero-lateral (B) positions. The results of radiological examination indicate extensive ascites. The other structures cannot be precisely defined.

Figure 3

Pathologically altered abdominal organs. Altered liver parenchyma, hepatomegaly, light-colored proliferative foci present in the parenchyma of all lobes (A). Large amount of free fluid present in the abdominal cavity (B). Small cystic formations filled with transparent fluid found on the diaphragm and omentum (B,C).

Figure 4

Pathological changes were found in the liver. All lobes were affected (A), showing tumorous changes (B) as well as the presence of small cystic formations (A–C).

Figure 5

Hepatic manifestation of the larval stage of E. multilocularis in a dog liver resection specimen, HE, 20×.

Figure 6

Hepatic manifestation of the larval stage of E. multilocularis in a dog liver with cross section of the protoscolice, HE, 200×.