Archives of Current Research International

Intestinal echinostomiasis is a food-borne trematode infection that may affect mammalian hosts following ingestion of infective metacercariae. This case report describes Echinostoma ilocanum infection in a one-year-old male German Shepherd dog presented with chronic diarrhoea, anorexia, intermittent vomiting, progressive weight loss, reduced activity, and passage of worms in the faeces. The dog had unrestricted access to freshwater habitats and frequently consumed freshwater snails and other aquatic organisms. Rectal faecal examination revealed several live, leaf-shaped trematodes. Recovered flukes were processed using borax carmine staining and examined microscopically. Morphological features included a cephalic collar, tandem deeply lobed testes, an ovary anterior to the testes, lateral vitelline follicles, and numerous operculated eggs. Scanning electron microscopy further demonstrated a prominent cephalic collar bearing 51 collar spines. On the basis of these characteristics, the trematode was identified as Echinostoma ilocanum. The dog received albendazole at 20 mg/kg for three consecutive days, supportive treatment, and subsequently praziquantel at 5 mg/kg one week after completion of albendazole therapy. Vomiting and diarrhoea resolved within 3–4 days, and complete clinical recovery was observed by day 7. This case supports consideration of intestinal trematodiasis in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal signs and exposure to freshwater snail habitats and documents canine E. ilocanum infection in India.