Veterinary session

Due to climate change, Dirofilaria immitis, which causes heartworm disease, has become increasingly prevalent in our country and is expected to occur throughout the country since the autochthon appearance in 2007. This poses a serious challenge to veterinary practice. According to current recommendations, in endemic areas such as Hungary, it is advised to protect against heartworm disease throughout the year.

The aim of our study is to survey the prevention and treatment practices of Hungarian veterinarians in relation to heartworm disease. Therefore, a questionnaire survey was carried out in which 144 veterinarians participated. From the responses received, we performed regression and correlation analyses.

The results show geographical variations in the frequency of diagnostic procedures, screening tests and the use of regular preventive treatments. Among the responding veterinarians, the most frequently used diagnostic test was the antigen test, while the Knott test and PCR tests were used less frequently. Significantly more dogs were diagnosed with heartworm disease in the Alföld (Great Hungarian Plain) and Northern Hungary regions, but the proportion of animals receiving preventive treatment was also lower in these areas. As a preventive treatment, the majority of responding veterinarians used milbemycin oxime and moxidectin among the macrocyclic lactones. Additionally, among the treatment protocols, the combination therapy of moxidectin and doxycycline was more frequently used than the complex therapy with melasomine, even though international recommendations suggest that the latter should be preferred. A negative correlation was found between the time of initiation of preventive treatment and the number of cases diagnosed, indicating the necessity of early and consistent prevention.

In the light of the above summarized information, it can be concluded that the prevention of heartworm disease is becoming increasingly important, and up-to-date knowledge of veterinarians and encouraging owners to cooperate are essential for its successful management.