Research Communications of the 27(th) ECVIM-CA Congress: Intercontinental, Saint Julian's, Malta, 14th to 16th September 2017

Disclosures: Disclosures to report. Canine angiostrongylosis is now considered as an emerging condition in Belgium. The gold standard for the diagnosis is based on the detection of first-stage larvae by Baermann fecal analysis. However, the imperfect sensitivity is the main disadvantage of this test. Alternative methods including serological or molecular assays have been developed to improve diagnosis. Detection of circulating antigens seems to enable diagnosis before patency; however, sensitivity in naturally-infected dogs with negative Baermann analysis has not been documented. PCR on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) has recently been reported as valuable tool and helpful in dogs with negative Baermann analysis. Comparative usefulness of fecal or serological tests and BALF analysis has not been investigated in naturally-infected dogs. The aim of this study was to report and compare results of the rapid test detecting circulating antigens, Baermann analysis and PCR on BALF in a small series of dogs with angiostrongylosis.