Aberrant migration of <i>Spirocerca lupi</i> resulting in a nodular cyst‐like mass over the thoracic wall of an 18‐month‐old dog in Malawi

Abstract Spirocerca lupi are spirurid nematode parasites of dogs, which have an indirect life history involving coprophagous beetle intermediate hosts and insectivorous paratenic hosts. Infective larvae migrate to the oesophagus of the definitive host, where development to adults takes place in granulomatous nodules. This case report describes the formation of a nodular cyst‐like mass over the thoracic wall of an 18‐month‐old dog in Blantyre, Malawi. The mass contained a coiled adult spirurid worm and was presumed to be a result of aberrant parasite migration. The diagnosis of spirocercosis has heightened awareness of a potential problem in the district, and raises awareness of risks that may be associated with the common local practice of feeding uncooked chicken viscera to dogs.