DIROFILARIASIS DIAGNOSTICS IN DOGS

As a result of our own long-term research, a comparative analysis of clinical signs, and laboratory, immunological and instrumental methods for diagnosing dirofilariasis of dogs in the North-Western Caucasus was carried out. As a result of the study, it was found that only a comprehensive diagnosis performed in stages allows us not only to diagnose most accurately both mature nematodes and their microfilariae but also to significantly reduce the economic component. Therefore, when diagnosing dirofilariasis in dogs, it is necessary to take into account only the most specific clinical signs. Laboratory methods should combine both simple express methods and more complex, time-consuming ones. When choosing immunological test systems, it is necessary to take into account not only their economic feasibility, but also the qualitative component, since the main principle of test system operation is the reaction to Dirofilaria antigens contained in the blood of an infected dog. They can be used for both individual and group research. When choosing instrumental diagnostic methods such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, etc., which are aimed at detecting sexually mature nematodes, and due to their high cost and complexity, it is necessary to take into account their expediency based on predicting the disease outcome.