Diagnosis of a Dicrocoelium dendriticum infection in New World Camelids: a case report

Dicrocoelium dendriticum plays an important role in New World Camelids as infected animals may suffer from severe clinical symptoms even leading to death of the animals. Intra vitam diagnosis may be difficult as clinical signs are atypical and Dicrocoelium eggs are shed only intermittently in faeces. The aim of this paper is to present four clinical cases of dicrocoeliosis in lamas as well as three asymptomatic infected animals to support the veterinarian in practice to diagnose infections. Furthermore, it is the first time that ultrasonographic examinations are described in this context. All seven lamas had been admitted to the Clinic for Ruminants at the University for Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. None of the animals had a history of D. dendriticum infection. The ultrasonographic examination of the liver revealed in all diseased animals as well as in two asymptomatic lamas hyperechoic areas representing calcified bile ducts typical for an infection with liver flukes. These findings together with blood examination of liver enzymes and parasitological examination may lead to the intra vitam diagnosis of dicrocoeliosis in lamas and alpacas. With an early diagnosis, the therapy of Dicrocoelium spp. could become more effective and the number of animals rescued may be increased.