Heartworm Disease And Treatment: The foot-long worms that cause heartworm disease live in the blood vessels of infected dogs and can cause a severe, sometimes deadly illness. The disease spreads when an infected mosquito bites. The mosquito takes tiny worms called mmicrofilariaefrom an affected animal and pdepositsthem on the skin of a new thost
Causes and Transmission of Heartworm Disease in Dogs
A key player in the heartworm life cycle, the mosquito acts as an intermediary host, transmitting the illness from one pet to another. The parasite Dirofilaria immitis causes the disease as it travels through the bloodstream.
When infected mosquitoes bite, parasites spread from one host to another, depositing their eggs on the skin of unsuspecting victims. After invading a new host through a mosquito bite, heartworm larvae take about 6 months to develop into adult worms.
Signs and Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Dogs
A mild chronic cough, lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, and inactivity are among the symptoms that may accompany heartworm disease in dogs.
Pets may have heart failure and a bloated abdomen from fluid buildup as the condition advances. Dogs may experience a potentially fatal kind of cardiovascular collapse if their hearts suddenly get clogged with blood.
Treatment of Heartworm Disease in Dogs
Melarsomine is an injectable medication that kills adult heartworms. It is a common component of a course of injections given to dogs with heartworm disease. Typically, a treatment plan will include a first injection, a 30-day break, and two further injections spaced 24 hours apart.
Along with pain medicine and other necessary supportive care, the dog will also receive treatment to destroy microfilariae.
Prevention of Heartworm Disease
The easiest way to keep your dog safe from heartworm is to treat them with a preventative and keep them away from mosquitoes. The American Heartworm Society recommends using an insecticide licensed by the FDA or EPA to protect your dog from mosquitoes.
Another way to avoid getting heartworm is to keep standing water to a minimum and stay inside during the morning and evening when mosquitoes are most active.
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