Levamisole as a microfilaricidal agent in the control of canine dirofilariasis.
The effectiveness of levamisole hydrochloride as a microfilaricidal agent when used 3 weeks after thiacetarsamide sodium therapy for canine dirofilariasis, was studied in 6 experimental dogs and 20 clinical cases. The drug, when administered orally in gelatine capsules daily, cleared microfilariae from the circulation in the experimental dogs in 7 to 11 days. A dose rate of 10mg/kg appeared as effective as 15mg/kg. In the clinical group 70% of dogs had zero microfilarial counts after 4 to 8 doses at 10mg/kg daily. Vomiting, diarrhoea and inappetence were observed in some animals, but were not a significant problem. Elevations in plasma GPT and AP levels were recorded during the administration of levamisole in some dogs while GOT levels rose in 1 dog only. Urea and creatinine levels were unaffected in all dogs. The only haematological parameter affected was the eosinophil count which rose during levamisole administration. All levamisole-treated animals, were successfully commenced on daily DEC, as a prophylactic measure, while an anaphylactic-type reaction occurred when this drug was administered to 1 of the 2 control animals.
D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D001148:Arsenamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004049:Diethylcarbamazine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology; D004285:Dogs; D007978:Levamisole / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D007978:Levamisole; D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D004049:Diethylcarbamazine; D001148:Arsenamide