Dirofilariasis

Dirofilariasis is a disease of the helminthological type, the causative agent of which is cardionematode. In most cases, the pathology occurs in dogs, less often in cats. The disease mainly affects animals living in a certain climatic environment, where the air temperature stays between 15-18 degrees for 60 days or more. As mentioned earlier, the causative agent of dirofilariasis is the roundworm Dirofilaria immitis. The mature individual is located in the right ventricle of the pet's heart. During reproduction, parasites can migrate to the atrium or pulmonary arteries. Cardionematodes secrete larvae into the bloodstream of the animal's body. The size of adult worms reaches up to 30 millimeters, the larvae have microscopic parameters. During migration, parasites move with the bloodstream, thereby reaching various organs, they can be transmitted in utero. Mosquitoes are carriers of the disease, microfilariae with a drop of blood are ingested by insects during bites. The larva stays in their body for about 15-17 days, then it is transferred to the lower jaw.  When an animal is bitten, a mosquito (an intermediate host) infects it. Moreover, shorthair breeds are most often infected. The clinical picture of the disease is initially manifested by minor symptoms, such as increased fatigue, slight depression, inability to perform intense physical activity, and mild shortness of breath. Further, you may notice a decrease in the pet's body weight, the appearance of cough after physical activity, as well as cyanosis of the mucous membranes. During auscultation, heart murmurs are clearly audible. Next, the parasite provokes itching in those parts of the body where there is no hair. The animal can also comb the interdigital area on the limbs. As a result, the skin becomes red-maroon in color. Due to active licking and combing, wounds and dermatitis occur. In cats, symptoms of dirofilariasis include vomiting, respiratory disorders, and various atypical manifestations. If you contact a veterinarian in time for quality treatment, the prognosis of the disease is favorable.

Diagnosis of dirofilariasis, an analysis of the pet's peripheral or venous blood is sent to the laboratory to make a diagnosis. Larvae can be detected under a light microscope. Also, during the examination, the veterinarian performs an auscultation with the detection of noise. If they are present, it can be assumed that sexually mature parasites are present in the heart cavities of the animal. When diagnosing cats, it is important to differentiate dirofilariasis from allergic bronchitis. Treatment is carried out using a complex method: specific therapy includes taking anthelmintics, which destroy mature individuals and their larvae in the animal's body, anticoagulants, which prevent blood clots in blood vessels, antiallergic agents, which reduce the risk of allergies, and immunostimulants, which support the resistance of the pet's body. To prevent the disease, it is necessary to use repellents from the moment of mosquito summer. It is better to choose a suitable drug together with a veterinarian in the clinic, based on the individual characteristics of the animal.