Relato de um caso de dirofilariose canina em São Luís-MA

Abstract

Heartworm disease is an anthropozoonosis transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Culicidae that affects mainly dogs, other mammals and cats. It is caused by a nematode named Dirofilaria immitis and it is characterized commonly by cardiorespiratory complications. That disease has worldwide distribution, occurring mostly in coastal regions. The treatment it is based on the association of adulticidal drug (melarsomine) with chemoprophylactic (macrocyclic lactones) and tetracycline. This article reports the occurrence of a heartworm disease report in São Luís - MA, emphasizing the importance of prophylaxis and the adopted behaviors on the treatment to Increase patient's survival. An animal, 7 years old, from Olho D‘Água, was hospitalized at a veterinary clinic presenting apathy, prostration, hematy, anorexy and, a few days later, the right thoracic limb and the right pelvic limb were edematous. The heartworm disease was confirmed by detection of D. immitis antigens on the rapid test, based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, echocardiography showed the worms in the right ventricle of the heart. Other laboratory and imaging exams were performed to show the general clinical condition of the animal. The therapy constituted of monthly applications of macrocyclic lactone, in addition to fluid therapy, antibiotics, diuretic and gastric protector to treat concomitant diseases. The patient did not resist and came to death before completing treatment.