Histopathological and haemato-biochemical observations in Spirocerca lupi infected dogs

Histopathological and haemato-biochemical changes in dogs naturally infected with Spirocerca lupi, were studied in five different places of Andhra Pradesh. Necropsy studies revealed spirocercosis induced nodules in caudal thoracic oesophagus, proximal portion of stomach and thoracic aorta in 10% of the dogs. On gross examination the fibrotic nodules in oesophagus were sessile, creamy white in colour, measuring 6 cm X 4 cm X 2.5 cm with smooth surfaces establishing orifices which communicate the lumen of oesophagus. Histologically the oesophagus nodule composed of severe infiltration of inflammatory cells in tunica serosa and muscularis mucosa surrounded by fibrous tissue capsule along with oedema condition. Thoracic portion of aorta (about 3 inches posterior to its origin) contained 5–6 hard nodular masses which coalescence with each other and appear as a single thickening extending to a length of 10–12 cm between the region of 7^th to 9^th thoracic vertebrae. Histopathological examination of formalin fixed tissues revealed granulomatous tissue reaction, fibrous tissue encapsulation and gaint cell infiltration in tunica intima of aorta. Further studies like haematological changes of blood in 17 naturally infected dogs showed low Hb%, leucocytosis and neutrophilia. Serum sample analysis revealed that slightly decreased levels of total protein, albumin, glucose and increased levels of ALP, AMLY and creatinine.