Radiological Evaluation of Vascular Structures in Cats Infected with Immature Worms of .

This study aimed to assess thoracic radiographic abnormalities in cats infected with immature stages of to evaluate the utility of this diagnostic technique during early infection. A total of 123 cats from a hyperendemic area were classified into three groups: asymptomatic cats seronegative to anti- antibodies (Group A), seropositive asymptomatic cats (Group B), and seropositive cats with clinical signs that were at high risk of heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD) (Group C). Radiographic measurements and lung parenchymal abnormalities were analyzed and compared across the groups.

Assessment of Thoracic Radiographic Alterations in Dogs with Heartworm and Their Correlation with Pulmonary Hypertension, Pre- and Post-Adulticide Treatment.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a prevalent and severe complication in dogs infected with . This study aimed to elucidate the progression of PH by analyzing radiographic parameters and the Right Pulmonary Artery Distensibility (RPAD) Index at three key time points: diagnosis (day 0), discharge (day 90), and six months post-discharge (day 270). Fifty-two heartworm-infected dogs were divided into two groups: non-hypertensive and hypertensive.

Association between Thoracic Radiographic Changes and Indicators of Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs with Heartworm Disease.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a consequence of pulmonary endarteritis during infection with in dogs. Echocardiography is the technique of choice but is not always accessible to all clinicians. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the radiological findings in dogs with heartworm disease and the presence or absence of echocardiographically characterised PH.

The Canary Islands as a model of risk of pulmonary dirofilariasis in a hyperendemic area.

We assessed the risk of human pulmonary dirofilariasis in the Canary Islands, hyperendemic for canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis), a zoonotic vector-borne infection. For this purpose, 1479 inhabitants were tested for anti-D. immitis antibodies.

Prevalence of heartworm in dogs and cats of Madrid, Spain.

Background: Dirofilaria immitis causes heartworm disease, a chronic and potentially fatal cardiopulmonary disease which mainly affects dogs and cats. It is present in most of Spain, due to favourable climatic factors. Madrid, located in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula, is the most highly populated city in the country.

Potential Role of Pet Cats As a Sentinel Species for Human Exposure to Flame Retardants.

Flame retardants are a wide group of chemicals used by the industry to avoid combustion of materials. These substances are commonly found in plastics, electronic equipment, fabrics, and in many other everyday articles. Subsequently, ubiquitous environmental contamination by these common chemical is frequently reported.

The heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) seems to be able to metabolize organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls: A case-control study in dogs.

It has been described that the co-existence of parasite infection and chemical exposure has various effects on the accumulation of persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) in the host. Certain parasites are not only able to accumulate POPs but also seem to have the ability to metabolize certain compounds. We have designed a case-control study aimed to disclose the role of Dirofilaria immitis in the bioavailability of POPs in dogs trying to know whether these parasites store or metabolize the POPs.