ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC, ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC AND THORACIC RADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN DOGS WITH DIROFILARIASIS.

Fifteen dogs with dirofilariasis, weighing 5.2-25.0 kg with age range of 3-10 years, were examined using echocardiography at right parasternal short axis views, electrocardiography and thoracic radiography. The animals were grouped according to severity of dirofilariasis, based on clinical signs: Class I - asymptomatic (n = 6); Class II - coughing only (n = 5); and Class III - coughing with other signs (n = 4). Right ventricular internal diameter in diastole (RVIDd) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Classes I and III than Class II. Class III RVIDs was significantly higher than Classes I and II. CrVC/T4 and CrVC/R4 were significantly higher while CdVC/Ao was significantly lower in Class III than the other groups. Class I had dilated RVIDd, enlarged right lateral VHS and bronchial, alveolar and interstitial pulmonary patterns. Class II had atrial fibrillation, APCs, increased S wave amplitude and prolonged QT interval in some dogs. Class III had dilated RVIDd. Right lateral VHS was enlarged, CdVC/Ao was lower while CrVC/T4 and CrVC/R4 was larger in Class III compared to the other classes. The results of the study showed the different diagnostic imaging findings for the severities of dirofilariasis which can help the practitioner in the prognosis and treatment of this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]