Fatal pulmonary strongyloidiasis in a dog: clinical implications and first molecular identification in Chile

A six-month-old male Pomeranian presented persistent cough, respiratory distress, and failure to respond to empirical and palliative treatment. Diagnostic imaging revealed severe pulmonary edema. Several nematode larvae were found after microscopic analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) performed before the patient died. PCR and sequencing identified the larvae as Strongyloides stercoralis.