Which parasite is associated with esophageal nodules in dogs that may become neoplastic?

Which parasite is associated with esophageal nodules in dogs that may become neoplastic?

• A. Physaloptera
• B. Spirocerca
• C. Filaroides
• D. Neoaporum

Answer: (B)

Spirocerca lupi causes spirocercosis in dogs, which forms nodular lesions in the esophagus that can progress to neoplastic tumors such as fibrosarcoma or osteosarcoma. The nodules arise from chronic granulomatous inflammation as larvae migrate to the esophageal wall; over time, this persistent inflammatory process can undergo malignant transformation, making esophageal neoplasia a known complication. That’s why this parasite best fits the description of esophageal nodules with potential neoplasia. The other parasites affect different sites—for example, those in the stomach or respiratory tract—and do not classically produce esophageal nodules that become cancerous.

Spirocerca lupi causes spirocercosis in dogs, which forms nodular lesions in the esophagus that can progress to neoplastic tumors such as fibrosarcoma or osteosarcoma. The nodules arise from chronic granulomatous inflammation as larvae migrate to the esophageal wall; over time, this persistent inflammatory process can undergo malignant transformation, making esophageal neoplasia a known complication. That’s why this parasite best fits the description of esophageal nodules with potential neoplasia. The other parasites affect different sites—for example, those in the stomach or respiratory tract—and do not classically produce esophageal nodules that become cancerous.