Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Heartworm Disease (Dirofilaria immitis) in a Dog

Yıl 2007, Sayı: 3, 1 - 10, 31.12.2007

Yücel Meral , Utku Bakırel , Duygu Çakıroğlu

Öz

This
case report describes a 6 year old male Dobermann referred to our clinic
(Đstanbul University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine) with compleints of
shivering, polydipsia, sneezing, chronic dry cough, mouth breathing, apathie
and diagnosed with echocardiography as Dirofilariasis based on the clinical and
laboratory examinations in Turkey. Clinical pathological irregularities in
pulse rate (60/min), respirations number (78/ min), and capillary refill time (
>2sc), while haematologic values of the case were between the reference
intervals. CK (554 IU/ L) and LDH (763 IU/L) enzyme activities were  high. Electrocardiographic examinations
indicated deep Q  (-1mV / lead II)  and S waves 
(-1 mV / lead II), P-pulmonale (3mV / lead II) and notching in R waves,
where,   echocardiographic examinations
revealed right atrial  and vent-ricular
dilatation  with mature D. immitis   bodies at the pulmonery artery, right
ventricule and right atrium. In conclusion, we suggest that routine
echocardiographic examinations will be beneficial in confirming  D. Đmmitis sus-picion based on clinical and
electrocardiographic evaluations. 

Anahtar Kelimeler

Canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, echocardiograph

Kaynakça

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