Dirofilariose em canino no município de Goiânia-GO

Abstract

Dirofilaria immitis is the parasite responsible for dirofilariasis, a zoonosis with a distribution in temperate, warm, and tropical regions. Its primary definitive hosts are dogs, cats, wild carnivores, equines, primates, and humans, while the main intermediate hosts are mosquitoes from the genera Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex, as well as fleas like Ctenocephalides canis. This disease is primarily characterized by cardiopulmonary lesions, which may present with various symptoms, such as exercise intolerance, fatigue, restlessness, ascites, hypertension, tachypnea, and dyspnea, among others. For diagnosis, it is crucial to perform complementary tests to confirm cases, as clinical signs can be nonspecific. Imaging tests, parasitological examination, and serological testing can be used. The indicated treatment will depend on the severity of each case. In milder cases, only medication therapy with ectoparasiticides and supportive therapy may be used. In severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. The present study aims to report a clinical case of dirofilariasis in a 1-year and 7-month-old mixed-breed female dog that was treated at the MedCão veterinary clinic in Goiânia, Goiás. The patient initially presented with lethargy and vomiting, according to the owner. Based on this, a complete blood count and biochemical tests were requested, which revealed coagulation abnormalities (thrombocytopenia), leading to the request for a SNAP*4Dx Plus rapid test, suggesting dirofilariasis. After confirmation, the animal was referred for an echocardiogram, which showed the presence of a single adult parasite located in the right ventricle. The patient was referred to a cardiologist for follow-up, where regular check-ups were scheduled to monitor the case's progress. Treatment was prescribed for home administration, including Endogard®10kg, Doxycycline, and a collar based on Pyrantel, with a favorable prognosis. However, the animal in question will require periodic follow-ups for case monitoring. This case highlights the importance of prevention against this disease and the necessity of regular visits to the veterinarian for guidance and preventive care.