Foxes and dogs might not be a good mix

Computed Tomographic Findings in Three Dogs Naturally Infected with Crenosoma vulpis

Jeremy R. Mortier, Caroline J. Fina, Elsa Edery, Crystal L. White, Marc P. Dhumeaux.

Background
Crenosoma vulpis, the fox lungworm, is a metastrongyloid nematode infecting wild and domestic canids in certain regions of North America and Europe. Infected dogs typically present with chronic cough and bronchial inflammation. While thoracic radiographic findings have been reported as nonspecific, no study has described computed tomographic (CT) changes associated with C. vulpis infection. This study aimed to characterize thoracic CT findings in dogs with confirmed C. vulpis infection.

Methods
This retrospective case series included three dogs diagnosed with C. vulpis infection via bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid analysis, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thoracic CT images were evaluated for lung lesion distribution, pulmonary patterns, bronchial changes, and other thoracic abnormalities. Findings were reviewed by board-certified veterinary radiologists and an internal medicine specialist.

Results
All three dogs exhibited multifocal, peribronchial pulmonary lesions. CT abnormalities included diffuse bronchial wall thickening (moderate to severe), multifocal peribronchial ground-glass attenuation, alveolar infiltrates, cylindrical bronchiectasis, and parenchymal bands. In one dog, bronchial thickening appeared nodular, consistent with bronchoscopic findings of irregular mucosa. No lymphadenomegaly, pleural effusion, or pulmonary hypertension was detected. All dogs clinically recovered following antiparasitic treatment.

Limitations
The study was limited by its small sample size and retrospective nature. Additionally, no contrast-enhanced CT was performed, potentially limiting detection of subtle mediastinal or pleural abnormalities.

Conclusions
Thoracic CT findings in dogs with C. vulpis infection are characterized by generalized bronchial thickening, bronchiectasis, and peribronchial ground-glass attenuation, consistent with previously reported radiographic changes. Although not pathognomonic, these CT abnormalities should raise suspicion for C. vulpis infection in endemic regions, particularly in dogs presenting with chronic cough.

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