Nanophyetus Salmincola - Pathology in Dogs

Pathology in Dogs

Nanophysiasis in dogs is much more serious than in humans. Scientists noticed almost 200 years ago that dogs that consumed raw fish sometimes died rather quickly. This “salmon poisoning”, while associated with the trematode Nanophyetus salmincola is not caused by the worm. The sickness is caused by Neorickettsia helminthoeca, a rickettsial bacteria that uses the N. salmincola as a host. Although only canines are susceptible to the disease raccoons show a raised temperature and lymphatic infection after being infected by the rickettsia, but both soon subside. The incubation period in dogs is 5–7 days, although it may take as long as 33 days. After onset, there is a sharp fever coupled with anorexia, vomiting and dysentery. The rickettsia attacks the canine’s lymph system causing enlarging and eventually hemorrhaging many of the lymphnodes. The disease can spread to other tissues such as leukocytes. Death occurs 10–14 days after signs first appear.