What do you need to understand about Heartworm Disease?

Heartworms are a deadly illness that affects dogs, ferrets, and cats. Pets may develop a severe respiratory infection and heart failure, organ damage, and even death because of the signs.

Heartworms are an ideal host for dogs. This means they reside within the dog, develop into adults, mate, and create progeny.

Although the parasites may be removed, dogs may be afflicted with many worms in their lungs, hearts, and arteries, causing harm to their health and quality of life. Heartworm illness has long-term consequences, and that’s why it is essential to avoid it rather than curing it after it’s begun.

Heartworm Disease and Prevention

Because heartworms may live for long periods, each time a mosquito infected strikes our animals, the number of worms can increase. Because dogs are the largest prevalent carriers of heartworm, this article will concentrate on heartworms in dogs. The majority of this information, however, also applies to other species.

Transmission

Heartworm transmission is dependent on the population of mosquitoes in the area. Around 70 mosquito species are likely to transmit the illness—the greater the number of mosquitoes in a specific area, the greater the chance of heartworm transmission.

Dogs are the most prevalent carriers of heartworm diseases. According to new research, heartworm infection is the leading cause of heart illness in cats. Wild animals are also suffering from heartworm. A vet like Legacy Animal Medical Center has more details.

The Heartworm

The adult heartworm may grow to reach 6-14 inches. It’s thread-like and white in appearance. It’s most commonly located in the heart’s pulmonary arteries and the right ventricle. Mating happens when mature female and male heartworms are found.

In a dog’s bloodstream, microfilariae in circulation can last for two years or more. The mosquito is an intermediate host and vector of disease (transmitting agents). The illness is spread to another dog through the mosquito injecting microfilariae at the time of the bite.

Adult heartworms trigger pulmonary artery irritation and increase the thickness. The arteries become more inflamed, and blood clots are formed as time goes on. Pressure rises because of the blocked pulmonary arteries placing a strain on the heart’s right ventricle.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of heartworm-related illness develop gradually. The symptoms usually do not show for three years following the first infection. Heart’s increased workload problems cause the majority of the symptoms.

Early indicators include a loss of energy as well as difficulty exercising. Coughing and trouble breathing are among the most frequent signs of heartworm disease. As the condition worsens, most dogs are suffering from congestive heart failure and ascites.

In the last stages of the illness, dogs typically collapse. Heartworms can be dangerous for dogs and complex treatments for heartworm illness. Contact your vet for information about holistic veterinary medicine.

Prevention

There are various options available to pet owners to help prevent heartworm disease. Pet owners should have them tested for heartworms before commencing preventative treatment. Your vet should review your treatment plan when heartworms are discovered.

The most commonly used method of heartworm prevention is to offer your pet a regular heartworm prevention medication. A lot of these medications are available as chewable treats. Some of them are used in conjunction with other drugs for prevention.

Your veterinarian will guide you on the most appropriate products for the pet. Don’t hesitate to speak to an animal veterinarian as quickly as possible if you want your pet to be checked for heartworms or if you would like further information about the disease. Click this link for more details.