Canine neural angiostrongylosis: the clinical and therapeutic features of 55 natural cases.

The clinical features of 55 naturally occurring cases of neural angiostrongylosis caused by the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis are described. The principal clinical feature is an ascending paresis of varying severity, mainly effecting the limbs and bladder. In severely affected animals the cranial nerves and central nervous system are affected. A distinguishing clinical sign is a variable severe lumbar hyperalgesia. For prognostic purposes the severity of the disease is divided into 3 grades. Recovery occurs in the first 2, however in the third, the most severe grade, animals do not recover. Corticosteroids and supportive nursing facilitate recovery and lessen the residual neurological dysfunction. Anthelmintics were included in the therapeutic regimen but their use worsened the signs. Death was recorded in association with the use of anthelmintics in cases that should have otherwise recovered.