1. Canine Heartworm Disease: Effects and Treatments
Traci Smith
Eastern Connecticut State University

2. Clinical and laboratory observations in 91 dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis in northern Greece
Z.S. Polizopoulou, A. F. Koutinas, M. N. Saridomichelakis, M. N. Patsikas, L. S. Leontidis, N. A. Roubies, A. K. Desiris

3. Background Caused by parasite Dirofilaria immitis
Transmitted by mosquitoes
Prevalent in warmer weather
Prevention is available
Treatment is successful

4. Three types: Type I- asymptomatic
Type II- mild to moderate clinical signs
Type III- right congestive heart failure

5. Symptoms Exercise intolerance Chronic cough Weight loss
Decreased appetite
Congestive heart failure
Lethargy

6. Reasons for the Study To find the most efficient type of treatment
To determine the best method of detection
To see the long term effects of the disease
To see how well subjects recovered

7. Methods of Study Studied dogs ages 1 to 11 years
Examined medical records of 91 dogs infected with heartworm
Two types of tests were ran for the detection of heartworm
Parasitological test
Immunological test
X-rays were taken to detect damage to the heart
71 dogs were treated

8. Treatment
Sodium thiacetarsamide (Caparsolate) intavenously twice daily
Melarsomine hydrochloride (Immiticide) intramuscularly twice daily
All were given oral ivermectin for 4 weeks

9. Treatment Results
Comparison of the two treatment drugs, Caparsolate and Immiticide.

10. Stages of Heartworm and Occurrence of Death

11. Summary
No differences were found in terms of drug efficacy or complication rate
Both detection tests were equally accurate
Some dogs treated with Caparsolate suffered kidney damage
Six fatalities occurred out of 71
Only 4 dogs had lasting effects on physical performance

12. Questions?