Abstract
The objective of this paper is to describe two cases of heartworm disease in dogs presented with ascites and dyspnea. A diagnosis of mixed infection with both Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis) and Dirofilaria repens (D. repens) was established in the first case, while D. immitis was detected in the other dog. Based on clinical, parasitological, laboratory and radiographic examinations, the diagnosis of severe stage heartworm disease (HWD) was established because both dogs were in heart failure due to HWD. An alternative therapeutic protocol with combined doxycycline and ivermectin was used as an antiparasitic treatment in both cases. No microfilariae were detected after 30 and 60 days, and no antigen to D. immitis was detected after 8 and 12 months in the first and second case, respectively. Based on the clinical examinations and parasitological testing performed, the two dogs were considered cured of HWD by this alternative therapy.
Highlights
The objective of this paper is to describe two cases of heartworm disease in dogs in presented with ascites and dyspnea
A diagnosis of mixed infection with both Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis) and Dirofilaria repens (D. repens) was established in the first case, while D. immitis was detected in the other dog
HWD is a chronic infection manifested as chronic cough, it can cause serious pathological alterations (Kittleson, 1998; Ware, 2011)
Summary
Spasojević Kosić Ljubica, Lalošević Vesna, Potkonjak Aleksandar, Simin Stanislav, Kuruca Ljiljana, Vračar Vuk. Subcutaneous edema existed, in the cervical and thoracic areas In both cases, venous blood was taken for hematological, biochemical and t parasitological examinations. Based on results of the performed examinations, a diagnosis of heart failure due to HWD, and severe stage HWD (stage 3) was established in both cases (Kittleson, 1998; Ware, 2011; American Heartworm Society, 2018), with subclinical D. In order to reduce the cardiac congestion in the second dog we used only furosemide n (Lasix®, Sanofi) 2 mg/kg b.w. perorally, BID or TID, and upon stabilization of the patient, the therapeutic protocol for HWD was started. The therapeutic protocol for HWD in both cases consisted of doxycycline (Doksiciklin, Hemofarm AD) 10 mg/kg b.w. perorally, SID for six weeks, alternately four weeks without and two weeks with the medication, and ivermectin (Ivermectin, Veterinarski zavod Subotica) 6-14 μg/kg b.w. perorally every two weeks, until negative results were reported for antigenemia, but not longer than nine months. OnLine F Legend: mf/ml microfilariae per mililiter, Ag antigen, + antigen detected, – no antigen detected
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
