The First Report of Dirofilaria immitis from a Dog in Ilgaz, Çankırı

In this study, Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis) detected in the necropsy of an Izci Kopegi Zagar breed dog in Ilgaz, Çankırı was reported. After being attacked by stray dogs, the owner of an 8-year-old male Izci Kopegi Zagar from Ilgaz, Çankırı presented to the veterinary clinic with serious injuries. The dog did not get well even after receiving treatment. Two nematodes were found in the dog's right heart chamber after postmortem investigation. Light microscopic examination revealed that these parasites were adult female D. immitis. As far as the authors' knowledge, this is the first observation of dogs residing in Ilgaz, Çankırı. Furthermore, it was noteworthy that the affected dog only had two female parasites. Due to occult infection, veterinarians are recommended to perform serological tests as well as blood examinations on dogs suspected of having heartworm.