Coenurosis

(veterinary medicine) An infestation by a coenurus, the metacestode of Taenia species; most common in sheep, rabbits, and other herbivores.

The infection by the larval stage of several species of Taenia from canids, such as T. multiceps, T. serialis, and T. brauni. It is rare in humans. Symptoms are the result of toxic and allergenic metabolites and pressure effects. Surgery may be attempted; chemotherapy may be effective, but secondary effects still render a poor prognosis. Herbivores feeding on grass contaminated by the parasite's eggs also develop coenurosis. If the central nervous system is involved (as is frequent in sheep) neurological signs appear and the animal staggers and circles. Economic losses in sheep-raising regions due to coenurosis are considerable. The disease could be controlled by treatment of shepherd dogs. See also Cyclophyllidea.