Authors : Mohamed A. Hashem and A.I.I. Badawy
Abstract: The present research was done on 82 stray dogs to be investigated for filariasis, hematological and serum chemistry profiles of naturally infested dogs. Out of the examined dogs, 14 (17.1%) were infested with Dipetalonema reconditum, 12 (85.7%) of them were males and 2 dogs (14.3%) were females. Microfilariae appeared as a snake like with a rapidly, forward movement across the microscopic field in wet smear while in Giemsa stained smears showed a coiled or twisted appearance. Hematological studies revealed hemolytic anemia (macrocytic hypochromic type) associated with low erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit value. A marked increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate, reticulocyte, thrombocyte, total and differential leucocytic counts were encountered, in comparison with the control group. Biochemical analysis of sera from infested dogs showed a significant increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, serum bilirubin (total and indirect), total proteins, globulins, urea nitrogen, creatinine, inorganic phosphorus, potassium and a decrease in serum glucose, albumin, calcium and sodium values, with insignificant change in the magnesium level. It could be concluded that infestation of dogs with filariasis induced a hemolytic anemia, with disturbance in the liver and kidney functions.
Mohamed A. Hashem and A.I.I. Badawy , 2008. Blood Cellular and Biochemical Studies on Filariasis of Dogs. Research Journal of Animal Sciences, 2: 128-134.