HEARTWORM DISEASE

Canine heartworm disease develops when a dog is bitten by a mosquito carrying microscopic heartworm larvae (juvenile worms) of a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis. As a mosquito feeds, these microscopic larvae are deposited on the dog and quickly penetrate the skin to begin their migration into the dog's bloodstream. Adult heartworms can grow 10 to 12 inches in length and make their home in the right side of the heart and pulmonary (lung) arteries, often causing lung disease and heart failure.

Although easy to prevent, heartworm disease continues to be a major health problem for dogs living in the United States and throughout the temperate and tropical regions of the world.                                                                         Photo courtesy Dr. Ray Dillon, Auburn                                                                         University College of Veterinary Medicine

Signs of Heartworm Disease:

Since some dogs can be infected for many years before symptoms develop, heartworm disease in dogs may not be obvious. But as heartworms slowly cause damage to the pulmonary arteries of the lungs, sign of disease may include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Eventually, as blood flow through the diseased lungs becomes more restricted, some dogs develop heart failure. This is commonly recognized by a buildup of fluid in the abdomen and the appearance of a "swollen belly".

Detecting Heartworm Infection:

A blood test is used to detect heartworm disease in dogs. Infection can not consistently be detected until the animal is at least seven months old. Chest X-rays can also help confirm the diagnosis of heartworm disease. If an animal is started on heartworm preventative as a puppy, and remains on it year round, (as is recommended for our region by the American Heartworm Society), then the first heartworm test should be around a year of age. The test should be repeated every other year. If an animal is only on preventative during the summer months, then annual heartworm testing is advised.

Heartworm Prevention:

Heartworm preventatives are effective when given properly and on a timely schedule. It is important to note these drugs are quickly eliminated from the dog's body and do not continue to protect dogs from future infection. Instead, they eliminate infections acquired since the last dose. All approved heartworm preventatives are highly effective, safe, easy to use, and often provide treatment for additional parasites. The preventatives come in monthly oral flavor tabs or topical spot-on treatments.

Heartworm Treatment:

Without treatment, heartworm disease can eventually lead to major organ failure and death. Treatment can be very costly and is not without serious risks. Prevention is always more safe and affordable than treating dogs with adult heartworm infections.

Information provided courtesy of the American Heartworm Society.