Onchocerciasis


Onchocerciasis represents a filarial nematode parasitic infection of the ocular and periocular tissues, which may affect dogs. Infection with O. Lupi & O. Lienalis has been described. This parasite cycles through a definitive wild host, adults mating to produce microfilariae which may be vectored by either simulium sp or culicoides sp flies. Clinically, oncocerciasis may present as any combination of ocular discharge, blepharospasm, conjunctivitis, chemosis, episclerokeratitis, uveitis and/or parasite-containing granulomas affecting the episcleral or periocular tissues.