Dirofilariasis in the domestic ferret

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1096-2867(98)80015-7Get rights and content

The popularity of pet ferrets in heartworm-endemic and -nonendemic areas is growing, with ferret ownership in the United States currently exceeding 10 million. The domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) has been reported to be susceptible to naturally-acquired and experimentally-induced infections of Dirofilaria immitis. Host-parasite relationships between D. immitis and domestic dogs and cats have been well studied, but there have been relatively few reports on infections in ferrets. Laboratory studies have shown the ferret to be highly susceptible, with infection and recovery rates similar to those achieved in the dog and higher than those seen in cats. Microfilaremia is characteristically of low concentration and transient in nature, similar to that seen in heartworm-infected cats. A definitive diagnosis can be made from ELISA-based antigen tests, echocardiography, and angiography, but suggestive radiographic findings require additional supportive information to confirm a tentative diagnosis. Prevention has been shown to be effective with currently used canine prophylactic pharmaceutics, but effective treatment of adult heartworms in ferrets has not yet been confirmed by controlled studies. There is currently no approved drug for prevention or treatment of D. immitis in ferrets.

References (27)

  • DustmanKD

    Pet popularity fuels research

    Vet Prod News

    (1997)
  • OttoGF

    Occurrence of the heartworm in unusual locations and in unusual hosts

  • GuerreroJ

    Preventing heartworm disease in cats. Innovations and new product applications in veterinary medicine

  • MillerWR et al.

    Dirofilariasis in a ferret

    J Am Vet Med Assoc

    (1982)
  • ParrottTY et al.

    Dirofilaria immitis infection in three ferrets

    J Am Vet Med Assoc

    (1984)
  • DzimianskiMT et al.

    Assessment of filaricidal activity of a new filaricide (RM340) against immature and adult heartworms using experimental canine models

  • McCallJW et al.

    Biology of experimental heartworm infections in cats

  • GuerreroJ et al.

    Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in cats from the southeastern United States

  • DillonAR et al.

    Pulmonary parenchymal changes in dogs and cats after experimental transplantation of dead Dirofilaria immitis

  • RyanWG et al.

    Prevalence of feline heartworm disease—A global review

  • DillonAR

    Feline dirofilariasis

    Vet Clin North Am: Sm Anim Prac

    (1984)
  • McCallJW et al.

    Heartworm infection in cats: A life-threatening disease

    Vet Med

    (1994)
  • SupakorndejP et al.

    Biology, diagnosis, and prevention of heartworm infection in ferrets

  • Cited by (0)

    View full text