Antonella Mazzi’s research while affiliated with University of Bologna and other places

Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, and Acanthocheilonema reconditum are the most important canine filariae. These species are expanding their distribution in both endemic regions and in previously free areas, thus enhancing the risk for single and mixed infestations in both dogs and humans. The present study evaluated the potential use of moxidectin in a spot-on formulation in preventing these dog filarioses in a confined area where the three major canine filariae live in sympatry. The trial was performed in a private shelter with a history of mixed infestations. Twenty-nine negative dogs were monthly treated with a spot-on formulation containing moxidectin 2.5 %/imidacloprid 10 % in spring and summer of 2010. The blood of the dogs was examined monthly with classical and molecular assays until December 2011. Twenty-six dogs completed the study, and they scored constantly negative to all diagnostic assays. Three further dogs completed the study in February 2011 until when they were filariae-negative. These results show that monthly treatment with moxidectin may potentially contribute in reducing the spreading of canine filarial diseases. The permanent negativity of treated dogs for the study period is discussed in relation to the potential use of this spot-on formulation in the prevention of single and mixed infestations of major vector-borne canine filariae.

The efficacy of Trilostane in the treatment of 19 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and 4 dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (ADH) was evaluated. The drug was well tolerated and 22 dogs responded well to treatment. There was a significant reduction (p < 0.001 in each case) in both the mean basal and post-ACTH cortisol concentrations after a mean of 13.1 +/- 3.7 days of treatment. The ACTH stimulation test was performed 2-3 hours after drug administration. Only one dog developed an acute adrenal insufficiency after 160 days of therapy. The median survival time was 482 days. The final mean dosage required to control the disease was 5.9 +/- 2.7 mg/kg. The presence of a pituitary macroadenoma can markedly decrease the efficacy of the treatment and should be excluded before starting the treatment. We can conclude that trilostane administration was safe and efficacious for treatment of canine hyperadrenocorticism.