Dirofilaria immitis - Heartworm Disease Quiz

Heartworm Infection in Dogs

• Primary diagnostic method for heartworm infection: Immunodiagnostic tests detecting heartworm antigens.
• Approximate size of Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae: 300-330 micrometers in length.
• Earliest heartworm antigen detection: Typically 5-7 months post-infection.
• Primary treatment for inflammation: Corticosteroids to manage inflammatory response.

Intermediate Hosts

• Intermediate hosts for Dirofilaria immitis: Mosquitoes, which transmit the larvae to dogs.

Misleading Signs

• Signs NOT associated with heartworm infection: Sneezing is not a typical indicator of heartworm presence in dogs.

Onchocerca Infections

• Main diagnostic method for Onchocerca cervicalis in horses: Detection via skin biopsy or the evaluation of microfilariae in skin samples.
• Common clinical sign in animals infected with Onchocerca lupi: Ocular lesions, particularly seen in the eye.
• Adults of Onchocerca lupi are typically found: In the subcutaneous tissues or adjacent to the eyes of the host.

Treatment Methods

• Treatment method NOT commonly used for Onchocerca lupi infections: Ivermectin is less effective compared to other methods.
• Horses are mostly exposed to Culicoides, a vector for Onchocerca cervicalis, during warmer months, particularly late spring and summer.

Transmission of Onchocerca lupi

• Primary mode of transmission for Onchocerca lupi in canines, cats, and humans: By bite from infected midges (biting insects).