Dirofilaria repens infestation in a sled dog kennel in the federal state of Brandenburg (Germany). Diagnosis and therapy of canine cutaneous dirofilariosis

作者：Sassnau R^*; Dyachenko V; Pantchev N; Stoeckel F; Dittmar K; Daugschies A

来源：Tieraerztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K: Kleintiere - Heimtiere , 2009, 37(2): 95-101.

• Dirofilariasis
• D. repens
• North Germany
• Knott-Test
• PCR
• doxycycline
• ivermectin

Objective: In the recent years the significance of Dirofilaria (D.) repens has increased. The spread of this vector borne parasite from its traditional habitats to central and northern Europe is conceivable and probably due to global warming and international pet traffic. In one of 29 dogs kept in the same kennel microfilariae were diagnosed in a routine check up. Therefore the whole kennel was subject to further exploration to identify the filarial species, to monitor frequency of filarial infection and to evaluate a new filaricidal treatment protocol. Material and methods: Screening for circulating microfilariae was performed by Knott test. Blood samples containing microfilariae were used to determine the respective species by PCR. Infected dogs were treated with doxycycline and ivermectin. Results: Five dogs were infected with D. repens. Only one of them showed dermatological signs, whereas the other four dogs did not display any clinical symptoms. However, laboratory examination revealed significant changes of haematological parameters. Four and 19 weeks after termination of the six week treatment period no microfilariae could be detected in blood samples. Conclusion and clinical relevance: It appears that canine cutaneous filariasis (D. repens) may be transmitted in Germany and is thus not restricted to imported dogs or travelling pets only. Species determination, preferentially by PCR, is essential to select an appropriate treatment protocol. We could demonstrate that the combined therapy with doxycycline and ivermectin is suitable to achieve amicrofilariaemia in naturally infected dogs with cutaneous dirofilariosis. Since infestation of the definitive host produces clinical signs only in some cases, D. repens-infection is rarely perceived. Preventive measures to restrict the spread of the parasite should be discussed in areas where dogs are potentially at risk. In patients with pruritic nodular dermatitis D. repens should be taken into consideration for differential diagnosis.

• 出版日期2009