Case report: Dirofilaria repens in a canine castrate incision

Abstract

Although not as pathogenic as Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens is nonetheless capable of causing chronic skin and ocular disease in dogs, and is also a significant zoonotic pathogen. Dirofilaria repens is not currently endemic in the UK but its spread across Europe, together with increased pet travel, is putting more UK dogs at risk of this mosquito-borne infection. This case report considers a dog with a D. repens worm found during routine castration. This is the first case of Dirofilaria repens infection to be reported in the UK and demonstrates the need for vigilance for this parasite in dogs with a history of foreign travel.