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Objective: To determine the prevalence and species of blood filarial of dog in Tonekabon.
Design: Cross sectional study.
Animals: 80 dogs.
Procedure: After clinical examinations and recording of necessary information (age, sex and breed), blood samples were collected from cephalic or sap hen vein and examined by modified knot method.
Statistical analysis: Analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Out of 80, 14 dogs (17.5%) were infected with microfilaria. In this regard, about 15%, 1.25% and 1.25% of infections were Dirifilaria immitis , microfilaria of dipetalonema reconditum and mixed infection, respectively. Infection showed no correlation with sex, age, breed and rates of breathing.
Clinical implications: Because of the possibility of infection in human by this species, our findings recommend killing of stray dogs and treatment of infected ones.