An aid to clinical diagnosis of tongue worms (Linguatula serrata) in dogs.

Over a 10-year period, approximately 18,500 fecal specimens and 500 nasal swabs from random-source dogs in the mid-western United States were examined. Seven cases of tongue worm infection, Linguatula serrata, were diagnosed by fecal examination, two of which were reconfirmed by positive nasal swabs and recovery of tongue worms from the nasal turbinates at necropsy. Gross and histopathologic examination of turbinates in the vicinity of the worms revealed no evidence of tissue damage which could be directly attributed to the parasites.