A veterinary team in South Carolina was in for a surprise during a spay-neuter surgery, when six giant kidney worms (Dioctophyme renale) were discovered in a hound dog named Twiggy.
“I was performing a routine spay when we saw a red tube-like object through the incision and were shocked when it turned out to be a worm that seemed to go on forever,” says Charleston Animal Society senior veterinarian Margie Morris, DVM.
In a video shared by the organization, the veterinary team was able to document the extraction of the parasites at their Sam Greer Spay-Neuter Clinic.
“It’s a big worm,” someone says in the clip, while focusing on an image of a bright-red organism. The surgeon then proceeds to pull out the worm from the canine patient.
Videos courtesy Charleston Animal Society
“This is something that doesn’t happen every day,” says Lucy Fuller, DVM, chief veterinary officer at Charleston Animal Society, adding she plans to write a case study about Twiggy’s rare case.
“The treatment for kidney worms is to remove them and treat any damage they may have caused while in the abdomen or kidneys,” says Dr. Morris. Currently, the dog is recovering in an indoor-outdoor pen at the shelter. “We are glad Twiggy is back outside enjoying the fresh air, we can’t wait until she finds a new, loving home,” Morris adds.
For more information, visit the Charleston Animal Society website.