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Diagnosis and treatment of occult dirofilariasis in an imported dog
Author(s) -
MATIĆ S. E.,
HERRTAGE M. E.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
journal of small animal practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1748-5827
pISSN - 0022-4510
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-5827.1987.tb05985.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dirofilaria immitis , occult , dirofilariasis , basophilia , quarantine , eosinophilia , differential diagnosis , parasitic disease , disease , dermatology , pathology , helminths , alternative medicine , immunology
Heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis is described in a 4‐year‐old Labrador Retriever bitch imported to Britain from Florida, USA. This is the first recorded case of the occult form of the disease occurring in the UK. The clinical signs included chronic coughing, decreased exercise tolerance and haemoptysis. Although there was a marked eosinophilia, basophilia and hyperglobulinaemia, plain radiography and angiocardiography were required to confirm the diagnosis. The successful treatment is described and progress monitored over a two‐and‐a‐half‐year period. With the increased global movement of dogs, exotic diseases require more consideration in differential diagnosis. The importance of maintaining preventative treatment during the quarantine period is emphasized.