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Heartworm Disease in Dogs

HEARTWORM DISEASE IN DOGS


Adult heartworms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected dogs.  The female heartworms produce microscopic larvae, called microfilaria, which circulate in the bloodstream. Heartworms cannot be spread directly from dog to dog, they must have an intermediate host, which is the mosquito.


LIFE CYCLE: When a mosquito bites an infected dog it ingests microfilaria which are in the blood.  Within the mosquito the microfilaria develop further into the infective stage.  When the mosquito takes it's next blood meal the microfilaria enter the dog's skin.  They remain here and develop further before entering the bloodstream and moving to the heart, where they will mature and start reproducing.  The complete life cycle takes approximately six months.


SYMPTOMS: The dog infected with heartworms may have a cough, shortness of breath, weakness, and nervousness, especially following exercise or excitement.  However, most dogs do not show any signs until the disease is well advanced.  Both the microfilaria and adult worms can cause irreversible damage to the lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys by restricting blood flow. Congestive heart failure will occur if this disease is not treated promptly.


DIAGNOSIS: Heartworm disease is easily diagnosed from a small blood sample. Several different types of test methods are available. A positive result will be verified by cross-checking with at least one other test method.


TREATMENT:  Treating heartworm disease is expensive and can be risky, especially in severely infected dogs.  An infected dog must be hospitalized while being treated.  A drug, “Immiticide”, is injected deep into the muscles in the lumbar area of the back.  These injections kill the worms. They are slowly dissolved by the patient’s own immune system during the next 6 to 8 weeks.  A sudden elevation in heart rate, during this period, could cause blood clots or worm fragments to break loose and form obstructions in major blood vessels. Under no circumstances should the dog be allowed to run free for at least 6 weeks after treatment.  Any activity likely to elevate his heart rate suddenly should be avoided. The dog should then be re-tested at four to six months post treatment to verify that all worms have been destroyed. Monthly preventive medication is usually started shortly after treatment is initiated to prevent re-infestation during the recovery period.


PREVENTION:  Heartworm infestation can be prevented with monthly preventive medication. In Oklahoma we recommend that you give your dog heartworm preventive treatments year round since our mosquito season is so unpredictable.  Prevention, along with regular heartworm checks (yearly), will ensure that your dog does not get heartworms.

Please call us today if you have any questions regarding the right prevention for your dog.  If your dog isn't on prevention, we would love to help you get them started on the right track. 

Danforth Animal Hospital

Edmond, OK #405-340-1020