PATHOLOGY OF THE MUSCLEWORM, PARELAPHOSTRONGYLUS ODOCOILEI (NEMATODA:METASTRONGYLOIDEA), IN MOOSE

• Main Authors: Pybus, M. J., Samuel, W. M.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Lakehead University 1980
• Subjects: Alces alces
• Online Access: http://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/1645

Parelaphostrongylus odocoilei is a muscleworm common in mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus hemionus, of western Alberta. Its effects in alternate hosts are essentially unknown. Two moose calves, Alces alces, where each given either 300 or 800 third-stage larvae of P. odocoilei. At necropsy particular attention was given to gross lesions and samples for histopathologic study. Gross lesions in moose consisted of myositis in the back and hind quarters accompanied by general softening of tissue, lymph node hypertrophy and petechial hemorrhage throughout the lungs. Histopathologic examination confirmed chronic progressive myositis in skeletal muscles and increased activity of the lymphoid system. Atelectasis, interstitial pneumonia and interlobular oedema were common in lung sections. Severity of infection in moose relative to that in mule deer is discussed briefly.