A Dog with Pseudo-Addison Disease Associated with Trichuris vulpis Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Venco Luigi, Valenti Valentina, Genchi Marco, Grandi Giulio
Primary Institution: Veterinary Hospital “Città di Pavia”
Hypothesis
Can Trichuris vulpis infection cause pseudo-Addison disease in dogs?
Conclusion
The whipworm infection in the dog led to electrolyte imbalances that mimicked Addison's disease, but treatment resulted in complete recovery.
Supporting Evidence
- Electrolyte analyses showed hyponatremia and hyperkalemia in the dog.
- Two adult female whipworms were collected following bowel irrigation.
- Treatment with anthelmintics resulted in complete recovery of the dog's condition.
Takeaway
A dog got sick because of a worm infection, which made it act like it had a different disease, but after treatment, it got better.
Methodology
The dog underwent physical examination, blood tests, abdominal ultrasonography, and fecal analysis to diagnose the whipworm infection.
Limitations
The case report is based on a single dog, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
An 8-year-old, spayed female Rottweiler mixed breed dog.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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