Successful therapeutic management of dirofilariasis in dog

Canine heart worm infection is considered as a life-threatening disease of dog all around the world. The disease is caused by filarial nematode Dirofilaria immitis considered to be a re-emerging zoonosis, transmitted by mosquitoes. A four years old Labrador dog was presented at Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, OUAT, Bhubaneswar with the history of persistent coughing, hyporexia, weight loss and poor exercise tolerance. On examination of blood such as Wet Blood Smear examination revealed Serpentine movement of microfilaria of D. immitis confirmed by Modified Knot's Test. Haematology of the affected dog revealed marked leukocytosis, eosinophilia and thrombocytopenia. Serum biochemical parameters showed significant increase in liver enzymes and hypoglycemia. Radiogram reveals right ventricular hypertrophy, stenosis of pulmonary artery. On echocardiography there was a presence of hypertrophy of right ventrical. The therapeutic management were done with Di-ethyl Carbamazine (D.E.C.) @ 6.6 mg/kg BW P.O. Everyday, Ramipril @ 0.125 mg/kg BW P.O. everyday, Ivermectin tablet, 0.3 mg/kg BW Orally for 6 weeks, Tab. Doxycycline @ 5-10 mg/kg BW Twice Daily Orally.