Anatomo-pathological aspects of parasitism by nematodes of the superfamily Metastrongyloidea in wild crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) in Midwestern Brazil

Aspectos anatomopatológicos do parasitismo por nematódeos da superfamília Metastrongyloidea em cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) de vida livre no Centro-Oeste brasileiro

ABSTRACT:

Nematodes of the superfamilyMetastrongyloidea affect the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems of domestic carnivores and are uncommonly detected in wild animals. This report describes the lesions associated with pulmonary parasitism by nematodes of the superfamilyMetastrongyloidea in a wild crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous ) in the Federal District, Brazil. Grossly, there was pulmonary hyperemia, edema, and emphysema. Microscopically, there was granulomatous arteritis associated with intravascular metastrongylid. The anatomical location, characteristic lesion, and histological features of the parasite suggested that the nematode involved in this case isAngiostrongylus vasorum . This worm is frequently reported parasitizing pulmonary arteries of domestic canids but is uncommonly described in wild canids in Midwestern Brazil.

Key words:
Angiostrongylus; nematode; wild canids; pathology