There is an association between S. lupi and esophageal sarcomas in
dogs. You should look at the presidential address given by Wil
Bailey and published in the Journal of Parasitology in which he
summarizes his work on this interaction. There are numerous records
in the veterinary literature on this association. Also, see articles
by H. Siebold, a veterinary pathologist.
S. lupi, a spirurid, utilizes dung beetles as intermediate hosts, but
"yard" chickens serve as paratenic hosts, from which dogs usually
acquire infection. Because of the demise of flocks of yard chickens,
the parasite is seldom seen these days.
Annie K. Prestwood, DVM
