Prevalence of Heartworm Disease and Associated Polyorganic Lesions in Dogs With Sudden Death, Necropsied During 2022-2023 in Timisoara, Romania

Abstract

Introduction: Heartworm disease is increasingly diagnosed among the canine population from Romania. Methods: In this study, 34 dogs were necropsied between 2022 and 2023. Results: The prevalence of heartworm disease was 17.64% (6/34). Multiple organs were affected, including the pancreas, heart, lungs, kidneys, spleen, and liver. Generalized circulatory changes, with thrombosis and congestive-hemorrhagic foci, were observed, along with inflammatory processes. Acute pancreatitis has been very rarely reported by scientists, highlighting the importance of the present study. Conclusion: By knowing all the lesions that can evolve and the organs that can be affected, veterinarians can improve laboratory diagnostic methods. Thus, specific biomarkers indicating degenerative processes in different organs can be supplemented to provide a more accurate diagnosis.