Canine Ocular Thelaziosis in Slovakia a Case Report

Thelaziosis is a parasitic disease of the eye that has become more common in Europe over the last twenty years. It is caused by a nematode, order Spirurida, family Thelaziidae. The transmission of this parasite occurs by the dipteran flies. Thelazia callipaeda occurs in the conjunctival sac, under the third eyelid or in the lacrimal ducts, causing blepharospasm, conjunctivitis, keratitis and sometimes corneal ulceration. Thelaziosis is a zoonotic disease. It occurs in humans, domestic animals and wildlife. Between 2016 and 2018 three cases of canine ocular thelaziosis occurred in dogs admitted to the Small Animals Clinic in Kosice, Slovakia. In all cases, the systemic and local treatments were administered. The parasites were removed from the conjunctival sac. The identification of Thelazia callipaeda was performed by microscopic examinations.