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Canine atopic dermatitis is a common disease and is considered as an animal model of the human disease. Immunomodulation by helminths is reported in several species. The aim of this study was to determine whether nematodes have an immunomodulatory effect on atopic dermatitis in dogs. In the pilot study, 12 atopic dogs were infected with either embryonated eggs of Trichuris vulpis (500 and 2500 eggs in 3 dogs each) or L3 larvae of Uncinaria stenocephala (100, 500 and 2500 eggs in 2 dogs each), respectively, for 3 months. Pruritus was evaluated with visual analogue scales and clinical lesions with the canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI). Skin biopsies were obtained for histopathology at the beginning and end of the study. In the subsequent placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomised study, 21 dogs received either 2500 embryonated T. vulpis eggs or placebo and were evaluated similarly. In addition, allergen-specific serum IgE concentrations were determined. All dogs in the pilot study improved in their lesion scores, most in their pruritus scores. The cutaneous inflammatory infiltrate did not change significantly. In the subsequent randomised study, there was no significant difference between placebo and Trichuris administration in regard to pruritus or CADESI. IgE concentrations also did not change significantly. Infection with T. vulpis did not significantly change clinical signs of canine atopic dermatitis., (Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Canine angiostrongylosis is a nematode infection in domestic dogs and wild carnivores. Few single case reports describing the occurrence of this disease in Germany exist and until recently angiostrongylosis has not been considered endemic in this country. The present report focuses on clinical, pathological and parasitological findings in two cases of fatal disseminated canine angiostrongylosis associated with multifocal haemorrhages in the central nervous system. Both animals, which lived in Germany, presented with rapidly progressive neurological signs including depression, ataxia, unilateral central blindness and epileptic seizures. Blood work revealed grossly elevated D-dimers and mild thrombocytopenia. Both animals were subsequently euthanised due to progressive clinical aggravation. Necropsy showed cerebral and lung haemorrhages in both animals. Multiple sections of nematode larvae consistent with Angiostrongylus vasorum were identified on histopathological sections of the brain, heart, kidney and lung in both animals and a predominantly granulomatous inflammation with the occurrence of multinucleated giant cells was observed. Adult nematodes were found in the larger lung arteries of one dog and Angiostrongylus infection was subsequently confirmed by PCR-analysis and sequencing in both dogs. A. vasorum larvae were not detected by faecal Baermann examination performed in one of the dogs. It was concluded that canine angiostrongylosis should be considered as differential diagnosis in dogs in Germany, even if faecal examination is negative. There is currently still a lack of studies investigating the occurrence of angiostrongylosis in dogs and intermediate hosts in Germany which would be necessary to survey the endemic realities of this disease.