Dirofilaria immitis in dogs - two case reports

The present case reports describe the treatment of Dirofilaria immitis in two imported dogs, the first from Greece and the second from Spain. Both were presented due to cough and exercise intolerance. The therapy was performed on both dogs according to the heartworm protocol of the American Heartworm Society (AHS). Initially, both dogs were given macrocyclic lactones monthly to eliminate the microfilariae. Adulticide therapy was carried out using the arsenic preparation melarsomine (Immiticide((R)), Boehringer Ingelheim). Each dog received three injections (day 60, 90, 91) and was kept under observation for 24 hours due to the risk of anaphylaxis. Doxycycline (Doxybactin((R)), Dechra) and prednisolone (Prednitab((R)), cp-pharma) were used at different time intervals. Both dogs showed a progressive improvement in their general condition over the course of the treatment and in both patients, no more micro- and macrofilariae could be detected in the later one.