Evaluation of Calcium, Phosphorus and Alkaline Phosphatase in Dirofilaria immitis Infection in Dogs

Filariasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases caused by the filaroid nematodes with a worldwide distribution and affects man, animals and birds. Heartworm disease, caused by the filarial nematode, Dirofilaria immitis, is a major, potentially life-threatening disease of dogs, with worldwide distribution and global significance. It is not only veterinary important but it also has zoonotic potential in many regions. Heartworm disease is a serious but preventable mosquito-borne parasitic disease that primarily affects dogs and cats. The current study was conducted on 80, 3-5 years old mix breed dogs suspected of dirofilariasis in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University of Tabriz and rural around Tabriz. Direct method and the modified knott's method were used for diagnosis of the parasitic microfilaria. Some parameters including Calcium, Phosphorus and Alkaline phosphatase were determined. The results of the present study indicated that 20 of the 80 examined dogs were infected by Dirofilaria immitis microfiler and the prevalence of dirofilariasis was 25%. The mean levels of ALP, total Bilirubin and indirect Bilirubin in infected dogs were significantly higher than the uninfected dogs (p 0/05). As a result, the parasite has side effects in liver, bile ducts and red blood cells. Some changes were detected in biochemical parameters in dogs with dirofilariasis so attention must be paid to them in diagnosis and treatment.