Let’s talk about heartworms. Wriggling, writhing worms that
burrow into Fido’s heart and lungs.
All grossness aside, I may be cheating a little bit; I wrote
this “information sheet” while volunteering at Fort Worth Animal Care and
Control. But I learned so much while doing research and—being the doting owner
of an orange tabby named Skittles—I felt it was my duty to inform animal lovers
everywhere of this dreadful disease.
Heartworms
What is it?
Heartworms disease is a deadly parasitic disease caused by heartworm larvae that are carried by mosquitos. Once a larva-carrying mosquito bites a dog or a cat, the larva infects the animal. Over months, the larva then grows and migrates to the heart and lungs. Once the larva matures into an adult, it produces more larvae that circulate in the dog or cat’s bloodstream. At any time, a new mosquito can bite the infected animal and, in turn, infect another dog or cat.
Heartworms disease is a deadly parasitic disease caused by heartworm larvae that are carried by mosquitos. Once a larva-carrying mosquito bites a dog or a cat, the larva infects the animal. Over months, the larva then grows and migrates to the heart and lungs. Once the larva matures into an adult, it produces more larvae that circulate in the dog or cat’s bloodstream. At any time, a new mosquito can bite the infected animal and, in turn, infect another dog or cat.
Symptoms and
Consequences
Initially there are no symptoms for heartworms disease. But left untreated, it can lead to severe problems with the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, and it will eventually result in death. Over time, more and more heartworms are produced and they crowd the heart and lungs. The animal may develop a cough and could become easily winded during exercise or play. In severe cases, abnormal sounds may be heard in the lungs, the animal may pass out from lack of blood flowing to the brain, or the animal may retain fluid. Again, left untreated, most animals will eventually die.
Initially there are no symptoms for heartworms disease. But left untreated, it can lead to severe problems with the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, and it will eventually result in death. Over time, more and more heartworms are produced and they crowd the heart and lungs. The animal may develop a cough and could become easily winded during exercise or play. In severe cases, abnormal sounds may be heard in the lungs, the animal may pass out from lack of blood flowing to the brain, or the animal may retain fluid. Again, left untreated, most animals will eventually die.
Important Facts
- There are cases of heartworms disease all over the country
- Heartworms can only be transmitted by mosquitoes
- An infected dog or cat cannot infect a healthy dog or cat
- Humans cannot get heartworms from their pets
- If an animal is infected, it can still contract heartworms again in the future
- Heartworms is a common problem in animal shelters today
- Heartworms is treatable, but more importantly, it is PREVENTABLE!!
Prevention and
Treatment
Treatment is costly and risky. Prevention is easier, cheaper, and safer. Your veterinarian can provide you with monthly pills, monthly topicals that are put on the skin, or six-month injectable products. It is important to apply these preventatives year-round.
Treatment is costly and risky. Prevention is easier, cheaper, and safer. Your veterinarian can provide you with monthly pills, monthly topicals that are put on the skin, or six-month injectable products. It is important to apply these preventatives year-round.
For more information,
go to…
WebMD: http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/heartworm-dogs-symptoms-tests
Petfinder: http://www.petfinder.com/pet-health/merial-heartworm-misconceptions.html
WebMD: http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/heartworm-dogs-symptoms-tests
Petfinder: http://www.petfinder.com/pet-health/merial-heartworm-misconceptions.html
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