Diagnostic methods of heartworm disease in dogs and their comparative characteristics

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to make a comparative description of methods of researching dogs for heartworm disease. The study was performed on dogs of different sexes, breeds and age groups whose owners went to the veterinary hospital. Conducted a general clinical examination, collected blood for testing in the morning or evening. Blood for the presence of larvae was examined by the method of Knot, crushed drop of blood, Hawk BV, staining for acid phosphatase. To identify parasitic adults, Dirofilaria immitis was examined for circulating antigen by rapid test systems. Conducted morphological and biochemical blood tests, electrocardiography, surgical removal of pseudotumors.

The efficiency of laboratory methods of research of dogs on heartworm disease was determined: research on circulating antigen – 100 %, Knott's method - 88.8 % (p<0.05), crushed drop method - 72.2 % (p<0.05), method Yastrеba V. B. - 68.5 % (p<0.001), and the method of staining for acid phosphatase - 55.5 % (p<0.001) of dogs.

The study of blood morphology proved an increase in the number of eosinophils 16.3±2.7 (p<0.01), a decrease in segmental neutrophils 55.0±3.5 (p<0.05), which indicates allergy of animals due to the presence of antigen.

In dogs with heartworm disease, an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity was found - 185.7±5.4 IU/l (p<0.05), Gamma-Glutamyltransferase 6.7±0.4 (p<0.05), which indicates liver dysfunction.

Electrocardiography revealed arrhythmia and conduction of the heart, which manifested itself as follows: sinus tachycardia 54 %, atrial fibrillation 4 %, extrasystole 10 %, ventricular fibrillation 2 %, right bundle branch block 5 %.

The pseudotumor, which located in the area of the dog's testis, was examination and surgically removed Dirofilaria repens from the vaginal cavity of the testis.