Experimentally induced canine toxocariasis: laboratory examinations and pathologic changes, with emphasis on the gastrointestinal tract
Hayden, D.W.; Kruiningen, H.J.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 36(11): 1605-1614
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 53022 Document Number: 91716
Eight dogs, already naturally infected with Toxocara canis, were given 50,000 embryonated T. canis eggs in doses of 3,500 three times each week for one month. Laboratory examinations during inoculation and for 2 weeks after the last dose revealed moderate leucocytosis, marked absolute eosinophilia, hypoalbuminaemia, increased concentrations of serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase, and in 2 dogs, precipitating humoral antibodies. Other changes were moderate ascites, hepatomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and focal lesions (0.5 to 3 mm) in liver, lung, kidney, intestine, abdominal lymph node, heart, diaphragm, and spleen. Microscopically, focal eosinophilic gastroenteritis was evident. Eosinophils and globule leucocytes were increased throughout the intestinal mucosa. Eosinphil-infiltrated and granulomatous lesions were in the same organs listed as having focal lesions, as well as in the pancreas. The importance of serum beta -globulin content as a potential diagnostic tool is emphasized, and the experimentally induced infection compared with naturally occurring eosinophilic gastroenteritis in the dogs. [AS].