Ultrasonographic signs of Dioctophyma renale (GOEZE, 1072) in a Maned Wolf (Chrysoscyon brachyurus)

Abstract

The ultrasonographic signs of dioctophymiasis in a maned wolf are described here. The animal showed no clinical or laboratory alterations. At ultrasound examination, the right kidney exhibited marked changes in size and appearance, with small hypereochoic ring-like structures of similar diameter on the transverse plane, immersed in anechoic fluid under a hyperechoic capsule. The animal underwent right nephrectomy and the parasite was identified on gross examination. As observed in other studies, the image of the lesions on ultrasound was very characteristic, which facilitated the exclusion of other diseases and justified the use of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of dioctophymiasis also in this species.