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In vivo confocal microscopy for detection of subconjunctival Onchocerca lupi infection in a dog
Author(s) -
Edelmann Michele L.,
Jager Mason,
Espinheira Filipe,
Ledbetter Eric C.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
veterinary ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.594
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1463-5224
pISSN - 1463-5216
DOI - 10.1111/vop.12547
Subject(s) - in vivo , onchocerciasis , confocal , pathology , confocal microscopy , ivermectin , biopsy , microfilaria , biology , medicine , filariasis , helminths , immunology , veterinary medicine , geometry , microbiology and biotechnology , mathematics
A seven‐year‐old male castrated mixed‐breed dog was diagnosed with bilateral subconjunctival masses. In vivo confocal microscopy facilitated visualization of Onchocerca lupi adult nematodes and their characteristic cuticular morphology. Long, thin, white nematodes were extracted during excisional biopsy. Histopathologic and parasitologic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of O. lupi . In addition to surgical debulking of the parasitic granulomas, the dog received systemic doxycycline, prednisone, and ivermectin therapy. In vivo confocal microscopy was repeated one year after initial diagnosis, and no remaining nematodes were visible. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of use of in vivo confocal microscopy as a noninvasive diagnostic and monitoring tool for canine onchocerciasis.