RESUMO
The present work was done on eighty two stray dogs in three localities in Sharkia province to be investigated for filariasis, hematological and serum chemistry profiles of naturally infested dogs. Out of the examined dogs, 14 [17.1%] were infested in Dipetalonema reconditum, 12 [85.7%] of them were males and 2 dogs [14.3%] were females. Microfilariae appeared as a snakelike with a rapidly, forward movement across the microscopic field in wet smear while in Giemsa stained smears showed a coiled or twisted appearance. The total length of the microfilariae ranged from 250-26 micro m [aver. 255 micro m] and the breadth was 3.5-4.5 micro m [aver. 4 micro m]. The anterior end of the microfilaria devoid from nuclei to a distance of 7-8 mm [aver. 7 mm] while the posterior end showed a hooked tail. The micofilariae showed a nocturnal periodicity. This is the first record of filariasis in dogs in Sharkia province. Hematological studies revealed hemolytic anemia [macrocytic hypochromic type] associated with low erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit value. A marked increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], reticulocyte, thrombocyte, total and differential leucocytic counts were encountered, in comparison with the control group. Biochemical analysis of sera from infested dogs showed a significant increase In serum alanie aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] activities, serum bilirubin [total and indirect], total proteins, globulins, urea nitrogen, creatinine, inorganic phosphorus, potassium and a decrease in serum glucose, albumin, calcium, and sodium values, with insignificant change in the magnesium level