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===Laboratory Tests===
===Laboratory Tests===
In both dogs and cats, routine haematology, biochemistry and urinalysis should be performed. Most parameters are usually within normal limits, but an anaemia can often be seen. Eosinophilia and basophilia are also common, and when seen together suggests occult dirofilariasis or allergic lung disease <sup>1, 3</sup>. Eosinophilia peaks as L5 enter the pulmonary arteries and subsequently varies. Hyperglobulinemia may be present in dogs and cats due to antigenic stimulation. Hypoalbuminemia in dogs is associated with severe immune-complex glomerulonephritis or right-sided CHF. Serum ALT and alkaline phosphatase are occasionally increased, but do not correlate well with abnormal liver function, efficacy of adulticide treatment, or risk of drug toxicity. Urinalysis may reveal proteinuria that can be semiquantitated by a urine protein:creatinine ratio. Occasionally, severe glomerulonephritis or amyloidosis can lead to hypoalbuminemia and nephrotic syndrome. Dogs with hypoalbuminemia secondary to glomerular disease also lose antithrombin III and are at risk for thromboembolic disease. Hemoglobinuria is associated with Class III disease when RBC are lysed in the pulmonary circulation by fibrin deposition. Heparin therapy (75-100 U/kg, SC, tid) is indicated. Hemoglobinuria is also a classic sign of the vena caval syndrome.
In both dogs and cats, routine haematology, biochemistry and urinalysis should be performed. Most parameters are usually within normal limits, but an anaemia can often be seen. Eosinophilia and basophilia are also common, and when seen together suggests occult dirofilariasis or allergic lung disease <sup>1, 3</sup>. Eosinophilia peaks as L5 enter the pulmonary arteries and subsequently varies. An inflammatory leukogram is also possible<sup>3</sup>. Hyperglobulinemia due to antigenic stimulation is an inconsistent finding<sup>1, 3</sup>. Right-sided heart failure or immune-complex glomerulonephritis can lead to hypoalbuminaemia and, very occasionally, nephrotic syndrome<sup>1</sup>. Because of this, it is possible for urinalysis to reveal proteiunuria<sup>1, 3</sup>. Haemoglobinaemia and haemoglobinuria are associated with caval syndrome<sup>3</sup>.
he antigen detection test is the preferred diagnostic method for asymptomatic dogs or when seeking verification of a suspected HW infection. This is the most sensitive diagnostic method available to veterinary practitioners. Even in areas where the prevalence of HW infection is high, ~20% of infected dogs may not be microfilaremic. Also, monthly macrolide prophylaxis induces embryo stasis in female dirofilariae.
he antigen detection test is the preferred diagnostic method for asymptomatic dogs or when seeking verification of a suspected HW infection. This is the most sensitive diagnostic method available to veterinary practitioners. Even in areas where the prevalence of HW infection is high, ~20% of infected dogs may not be microfilaremic. Also, monthly macrolide prophylaxis induces embryo stasis in female dirofilariae.