Obstrução uretral por capillaria spp. em felino: Relato de caso

Abstract

Capillaria (or Pearsonema) is a nematode also known as a “filamentous worm”, as it has a very thin appearance and a capillary aspect. Two species affect the urinary tract of domestic and wild animals: Capillaria plica and Capillaria feliscati. These species are cosmopolitan and have the urinary bladder as a predilection organ; however, C. plica may occasionally affect the renal pelvis and ureters. When detected, infestation by worms of the genus Capillaria sp. in animals is called capillariasis. The diagnosis is made by examining the urinary sediment, with detection of eggs of Capillaria sp. Thus, this study aimed to report a case of urinary capillariasis in an adult feline, with urethral obstruction, treated at a private Veterinary Hospital in the city of Natal (Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil). Hematological exams revealed normocytic normochromic anemia, lymphopenia, and hyperproteinemia in the blood count. High levels of urea and creatinine in biochemical analysis and imaging findings revealed morphological changes in kidneys suggestive of chronic nephropathy. Urinalysis indicated proteinuria and the presence of leukocytes, and eggs of Capillaria spp. in sedimentoscopy. The diagnosis of urinary capillariasis was defined by the identification of eggs of Capillaria spp. in sedimentoscopy. In addition, neither crystals nor uroliths were observed in the urinary tract, which suggests that the obstruction was caused in the urethra by the accumulation of parasite eggs, making urination impossible. It is noteworthy that Capillaria spp. causes lower urinary tract disease in felines, presenting symptoms when the infestation is massive. Despite the contribution of several tests showing possible compatible alterations, the definitive diagnosis can be given through the urinary sediment exam, through which parasite eggs with unique characteristics compatible with the genus were found.