Filariosi cardiopolmonare in due cani autoctoni della Regione Marche

The heartworm disease is caused by the nematode Dirofilaria immitis and it is endemic of marsh and lake areas of northern Italy. In recent years, however, the disease has also been observed in regions of central Italy. Two cases of heartworm disease in native dogs of the Marche region are reported to confirm the diffusion of the infection in non-endemic areas. The case report therefore stresses the importance of a good prophylactic plan against the disease