Prevalencia de Dirofilaria immitis en Canis lupus familiaris en la clínica veterinaria MACVET del cantón de Milagro.

Abstract

Parasitic diseases represent a major challenge for animal health. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in Canis lupus familiaris in the north of the canton of Milagro using a rapid test. It had a quantitative approach, the type of research was field and laboratory, with a descriptive and correlational scope and a non-experimental cross-sectional design. 50 dogs were worked with, resulting in 8.0 % positive. Regarding the signs related to the disease, the following were obtained: lethargy (100.0 %), exercise intolerance (75.0 %), cough (25.0 %), and others (50.0 %). The majority of positive animals were adults (75.0 %), had an ideal weight (100.0 %), and light coat color (100.0%). Of the risk factors analyzed, a statistically significant dependence was found between antigen positivity with the presence of the vector (p = 0.04) and garbage (p = 0.00). The other variables (sex, age, coat color, coat length, stagnant water, nearby rivers or parks, abundant vegetation, and contact with wild animals) were not statistically significant. By controlling disease-related factors, we can begin to prevent the spread of D. immitis.