Aortic lesions caused by Spirocerca lupi (Rudolphy, 1809) Nematoda, spiruroidea, in dogs

Abstract

75 cases of aortic lesions caused by S. lupi are analized as found in 1661 post mortem of dogs. The gross and microscopic aspect are described and frequency of this parasitosis in São Paulo as well as the biological cycle in the dog and its relation to the lesions observed is discussed. Based on their findings the authors conclude as follows:
1) The incidence of S. lupi in São Paulo is 4.5%.
2) The parasite was found to systematically cause arterial and aesophagic lesions in this town.
3) There is, usually, an aneurisma sacciformis as consequence of a previous inflammatory process in the aorta thoracica.
4) The mesarteric layer is particularly damaged by this process, and there the normal tissue is replaced by connective tissue which is then hyalinized. The fibroid layer is usually hyperplastic.
5) In those cases where ossification of the arterial wall is observed, this process is always found to be membranous.