PHP_Common Dog Diseases-Heartworm

Heartworm disease is serious and can be fatal.

heartworm symptoms

Heartworm symptoms may include:

• difficulty breathing
• cough
• Vomit
• Weight loss, listlessness and fatigue after only moderate exercise
• Some dogs don’t show any symptoms until late in the infection

Heartworm causes

• Heartworms are spread from animal to animal by mosquitoes.
• The animal must carry at least two heartworms (male and female) for the female to reproduce.
• The females produce babies called "microfilariae," which enter the animal's bloodstream but cannot directly cause heartworms without passing through the mosquito first.
• Microfilariae must be absorbed by the biting mosquito and transform into infective larvae within the insect's body within two weeks.
• The next time a mosquito bites a susceptible animal, the infective larvae enter the tissue and begin migrating into the blood vessels.
• Heartworms enter an animal's bloodstream as tiny, invisible larvae but can reach over twelve inches in length when mature.

Diagnosing Heartworms

• Heartworm disease can be diagnosed with an exam, X-ray or ultrasound, and a blood test performed by your veterinarian.
• All dogs should have regular heartworm blood tests each spring or before taking a new heartworm preventive.

Dogs more susceptible to heartworm infection

• Any dog ​​can become infected with heartworms, but since mosquitoes are carriers of heartworms, dogs that live in hot, humid areas are most at risk.

Heartworm prevention

• Heartworms are easily preventable with inexpensive chewable tablets or topical medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Pills or topical medications are usually taken once a month and can be given to dogs under 6 months of age without a blood test. Older animals must be screened for disease before starting medication.
• The American Heartworm Association recommends keeping your dog on medication year-round . Not only does this prevent mistakes, but many products also protect against other intestinal parasites.

Heartworm treatment

After diagnosis, the infected dog should be thoroughly examined to assess the best treatment options and potential risks involved.

• The most common treatment is to inject a series of drugs called adulticides into the dog's muscle. This treatment has a high success rate and usually requires hospitalization.
• All treatment options require restriction of exercise for several weeks after treatment and are not without risks. Disease prevention is the better and safer option.
• After treatment, your dog should receive preventive medication to reduce the risk of infection.

When to consult your veterinarian

• If you notice that your dog has decreased energy, appears sick, or exhibits any of the general symptoms listed above, contact your veterinarian immediately.