Abstract
BackgroundAngiostrongylus vasorum is a cardiopulmonary canine nematode, potentially fatal to its host. In the last decade, there has been an increasing number of autochthonous cases in areas previously considered non-endemic. However, information about the parasite’s occurrence and distribution among Central and Eastern (Southeastern) European countries are scarce. This paper reports the first recorded case of autochthonous A. vasorum infection in a hunting dog from Serbia.FindingsIn March 2013, a female hunting dog was presented to a veterinary clinic in Novi Sad, Serbia, for examination of a chronic skin problem. The dog had no history of respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. Faecal and urine samples were collected and examined for the presence of parasite ova/cysts. A modified Baermann test detected 8.8 larvae per gram of faeces. Based on their overall body length (mean 381.7 ± 15.9 μm; range from 342.5 to 404.3 μm; n = 12) and characteristic tail morphology, they were identified as the first-stage larvae of A. vasorum.ConclusionsThe spread of A. vasorum to the southeast of Europe is further confirmed after finding autochthonous infected dog from Serbia. Therefore, veterinary professionals in Serbia should consider A. vasorum in differential diagnosis of dogs.
Highlights
Angiostrongylus vasorum is a cardiopulmonary canine nematode, potentially fatal to its host
This paper reports the first recorded case of autochthonous A. vasorum infection in a dog from Serbia
The dog originated from Sremska Kamenica (45°13′14′′N, 19°50′ 21′′E), Vojvodina province (Northern Serbia), had never left the country, but was taken for wild boar hunting inside the province
Summary
This study presented the first case of autochthonous A. vasorum infection in a dog in Serbia, confirming the spread of this parasite to this part of South-Eastern Europe. Veterinary professionals in Serbia should be aware of the presence of this parasite and consider A. vasorum during differential diagnosis of dogs. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Authors’ contributions SS performed laboratory examinations, identified the parasite, drafted and wrote the manuscript and obtained part of the funds for publication. LSK examined the dog, collected the samples and contributed to the improvement of the manuscript. LK participated in laboratory examinations, and helped to draft the manuscript. IP, MS and VL contributed to interpretation and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
