Faust Animal HospitalHeartworm Disease
By Faust Animal Hospital
Heartworm disease is a very common parasite that affects dogs of all ages and breeds. It also can affect cats, but generally at a much lower level. Heartworm is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis. It actually is a worm that lives in the heart and major blood vessels surrounding the heart. Dirofilaria is a large parasite that can, in some cases, reach 12-14 inches in length . The symptoms of heartworm infestation can be vague but usually are symptoms of heart failure. Symptoms include lethargy, coughing, and exercise intolerance.
How do dogs get
Heartworm?
Dogs get heartworm by bites from infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes that have bitten an infected dog carry the larval worms from one dog to another. Because it almost impossible to completely protect your dog from mosquito bites, it is very hard to prevent the infection.
How can I protect
my dog?
Dogs can be protected from heartworm disease
through the use of a monthly preventative tablet.
These tablets work by killing all of the larval worms that have
been injected into your dog by infected mosquitoes in the last 30 days.
The treatment is 100% effective and guaranteed by the
manufacturer of the medication.
Is it safe?
The dosages used to kill the worms are very small, and are safe to use even in very small pets. For complete safety, it is necessary to test your pet for heartworm prior to the administration of the preventative. This simple blood test is completed in our office in just a few minutes.
How is Heartworm
Treated?
Treating a dog that is already infected with heartworm is difficult and expensive. It is usually treated through the administration of a drug called melarsomine. This drug is administered as a series of injections. Most often the dog will need to be hospitalized for a few days, and may need intravenous fluid therapy and blood testing. The drug can potentially be detrimental to the kidneys, and the death of the worms can cause numerous potentially severe physiological effects, including death. Treating a 50 pound dog for heartworm disease could easily cost $1000 to $1500. The preventative, on the other hand, generally costs a few dollars a month to administer. This, together with the suffering that dogs must go, through makes preventing the disease a good investment for your veterinary dollar.
If you have any questions, please contact us!