Canine Heartworm Disease - An Evaluation of Chemotherapeutic Test Systems
Abstract
Canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis). plagues thousands of
dogs each year in the United states alone (American Heartworm
Society,1975).Since the disease is worldwide (Otto,1974), the
number of infected canines is considerably larger. Heartworm disease
causes shortness of breath and a general weakness in dogs (American
Veterinary Medical Association, Pamphlet). In severe cases the infected
canine may die do to an obstruction of blood flow to the lungs
and anoxia (Lidster,1973).
Currently attempts are being made to check the rising frequency
of this disease (American Heartworm Society ,1975).In particular,
the following Senior Individualized Project will explore the disease
organism, evaluate present test systems used in drug research
and illustrate laboratory techniques associated with drug research.
In order to do this it was necessary to evaluate chemotherapeutic
test systems by 1) carrying out a literature search to become
familiar with test. systems already in use and 2) using actual
laboratory experimentation as a criterion to evaluate these systems.
The following report should illustrate the complexity of chemotherapeutic
evaluations.