The Main Clinical Signs and Early Diagnosis of Canine Dirofilariosis in the Veterinary Practice of Farms in the Republic of Armenia

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to determine the main clinical signs of dirofilariosis in dogs, taking into account the peculiarities of animal exploitation and to analyze the efficacy and convenience of using some diagnostic techniques. Materials and methods. The main clinical signs of dirofilariosis in dogs on the farms of Armenia have been studied. The presence of microfilariae was determined in native smears and using a modified Knott method. We also used the Asan Easy Test Heartworm and SNAP 4Dx Plus Test one-step cassette rapid tests for visual detection of Dirofilaria spp. antigen in blood serum. Results and discussion. 8.5% of dogs in the farms of the Republic of Armenia are infected with Dirofilaria sp. The most infected were dogs aged 5–8 years (75%). The main symptomatic signs of dirofilariosis in dogs were established in the specific conditions of the studied region and the specifics of the specific exploitation of animals. It has been established that the immunochromatographic test systems Asan Easy Test Heartworm and SNAP 4Dx Plus Test for visual detection of canine Dirofilaria spp. antigen in blood serum are the most effective for the diagnosis of dirofilariosis.