Lungworm infection in a beagle colony: Filaroides hirthi, a common but not well-known companion

Abstract

116 beagle dogs of both sexes were examined for infection with Filaroides hirthi within the framework of several toxicological studies. 98% of the animals demonstrated lung-worm-associated lesions. Most of the macroscopic visible lesions can be subdivided into four groups, representing different histopathological pictures ranging from living worms, different types of granulomatous inflammation to tumorlike lesions. Especially the latter is liable for several misinterpretations in toxicologic studies. This is the first positive evidence of an infection of Beagle dogs with Filaroides hirthi in Germany.