Radiographic and computed tomographic changes and clinical presentation ofspirocercosis in the dog

A retrospective study of 39 dogs with spirocercosis is described, emphasizi ng radiographic and computed tomographic aspects and clinical presentation. Dogs mere classified as complicated or uncomplicated, both clinically and radiographically, Besides the expected upper gastrointestinal signs, a high incidence of respiratory (77%) and locomotor (23%) complications were pres ent. All dogs had thoracic radiographs, Esophageal masses were radiographic ally classified as typical or atypical according to their location, Twenty- seven dogs had a typical caudal esophageal mass. Six dogs had a mass atypic ally located in the hitar region. These masses were smaller an more difficu lt to visualize radiographically. The remaining 6 dogs did not have a radio graphically detectable esophageal mass. Radiology as an initial diagnostic tool was effective in detecting and localizing the mass and to detect early respiratory abnormalities such as pleuritis, mediastinitis, pneumonia, and bronchial displacement. Endoscopy was the modality of choice to confirm an temortem esophageal masses. in dogs where the mass filled the whole esophag eal lumen, endoscopy failed to give essential information necessary for sur gical excision of neoplastic masses, such as the extent of esophageal wall. attachment. Caudal esophageal sphincter involvement was difficult to deter mine endoscopically with large caudal esophageal masses. Computed tomograph y was performed on 3 dogs and did not address the latter problems completel y, but was found to be a sensitive tool to detect focal aortic mineralizati on and early spondylitis, both typical for the disease, and essential in th e diagnosis of non- or extramural esophageal abnormalities.