Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs: unusually located and unusual findings

Abstract

Clinical, blood, serum biochemistry, and parasitological assessments were performed on four hospitalized dogs, not in good general condition, in a study carried out to determine the prevalence of general parasitic infections. Hematological and biochemical parameters and electrocardiographic recording of the animals were determined during the general clinical examinations. Four dogs were indicated to have been infected with Dirofilaria immitis by using modified Knott's method, and the microfilarial density was determined. Mild to moderate anemia and decrease in sedimentation velocity were established in dogs. Differences in other hematological and biochemical values between the dogs were determined. Right axis deviation was determined in a dog. D. immitis was encountered in the right ventricle, bronchus, and the pericardial sac at the end of the necropsy. On the other hand, in the histopathological examinations, pulmonary adenocarcinoma deriving from bronchial epithelium was identified in a dog, and microfilaria was encountered in bronchial and bronchiolar lumens, interstitium of the lungs, and bile ducts. D. immitis has not been considered in the diagnosis of dogs with pneumonia and tumors. The requirement of parasitological examination with respect to D. immitis in the diagnosis of dogs with tumor or pneumonia has been considered vital.

Co-Infection and Wild Animal Health: Effects of Trypanosomatids and Gastrointestinal Parasites on Coatis of the Brazilian Pantanal

“…Other parasites may also influence coati health. For example, some species of filarid nematodes, such as Dirofilaria immitis , can cause loss of body condition and anemia [ 46 ], although filarid parasites from coatis are poorly known and their effect on host health has not been investigated. Strongylids ( e .…”

Canine heartworm disease in Porto Velho: first record, distribution map and occurrence of positive mosquitoes

“…The adult forms of D. immitis feed on blood components and live for several months or years. They can be found in the right ventricle and pulmonary arteries of dogs, frequently causing coughing, dyspnea and weakness, followed by ascites due to right ventricular failure, anorexia, dehydration and weight loss (SEVIMLI et al, 2007). The pathogenicity of this species varies according to the number of adult worms.…”

PCR evaluation of selected vector‐borne pathogens in dogs with pericardial effusion

“…Another VBP that could have been included and must be considered in future studies is Dirofilaria immitis , a heart pathogen that has been sporadically found in the pericardium, an unusual location (Sevimli et al . ). This pathogen was not considered in the present study because its prevalence is variable and very low in some of the geographical areas involved (Miró et al .…”