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Introduction
Heartworm disease has been
found in all 50 states in the U.S. Its prevalence has
increased because we live in such a mobile society -
people and their pets travel from place to place, unknowingly
taking parasites along for the ride. Dogs of any age
and breed are susceptible, and the disease can be fatal.
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The parasitic worm responsible
for heartworm disease is called Dirofilaria immitis.
The life cycle of the heartworm begins when a mosquito
bites and feeds on the blood of an infected dog that
is carrying tiny immature heartworms, called microfilariae,
in its blood. The mosquito takes in the immature heartworms
when it feeds. During the next two-to-three weeks, the
larvae develop into the infective stage within the mosquito.
When the mosquito feeds again, it can transmit infective
larvae to a healthy dog. The larvae enter the dog's
body through the mosquitos bite wound , migrate through
its tissues, and develop over the next few months, eventually
reaching the dog’s heart and lungs. Heartworms
may be present in the heart and lungs approximately
four months after initial infection. Once in the dog’s
heart, the worms may grow to between 7 and 11 inches
in length. and cause significant damage to the heart
and lungs. If left untreated, heartworm disease may
result in death. After adult heartworms mate and produce
immature heartworms an infected dog which is bitten
by an uninfected mosquito will transmit microfilariae
to the mosquito, beginning the cycle again. The life
cycle of the heartworm is approximately 6 months.
Whether your dog spends lots of time in the great outdoors,
rarely ventures out of your own back yard, or is strictly
an indoor dog, it’s at risk of exposure to heartworms,
as well as gastrointestinal parasites. In fact, unless your
dog is protected, these common parasites can endanger its
health. Fortunately, heartworm disease can
be prevented, and gastrointestinal parasites can be treated
and controlled.
Signs, Treatment, and Prevention: Heartworm Disease
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Signs of heartworm disease can take as long as four-to-seven
months to appear after initial infection. However, an infected
dog may start coughing within four months of infection. Other signs may include sluggishness, weight
loss, and difficulty breathing. A dog that is typically active
may become less active.
The degree of infection, the length of time a dog has been
infected, and the individual animal’s response to the
infection determine just how severe the signs of the disease
can be.
If you suspect your dog has heartworm disease, your veterinarian
can perform a simple diagnostic blood test. Dogs with heartworm
disease can be treated to eliminate adult heartworms inside the dog's heart and lungs, but
treatment is costly and potentially dangerous as it involves
killing the adult worms inside the dog’s heart. Since
the treatment is risky and requires multiple injections, dogs
with heartworm disease must be treated at the veterinary clinic.
Complete rest is needed for four to six weeks following treatment.
By far, the best way to battle
heartworm disease is through prevention. HEARTGARD Plus
from MERIAL is a tasty beef chewable, given once a month
that prevents heartworm disease. Ask your veterinarian
about heartworm disease prevention with HEARTGARD Plus.
Signs,
Treatment, and Control: Gastrointestinal Parasites
Significant gastrointestinal
parasites of dogs include roundworms, also called ascarids,
and hookworms.
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Roundworms can be transmitted from mother to puppy before
birth, from mother to puppy while nursing, and via consumption
of roundworm eggs, larvae, or a rodent or rabbit host. Signs of roundworm
infection may include: diarrhea, eggs and adult worms in the
feces, respiratory distress, weakness, dull and scruffy coat,
swollen abdomen, and malnutrition. Adult roundworms live in
the intestines, depriving the host animal of nutrients. Left
to grow, roundworms may block the passageway completely. Untreated,
roundworms can pose serious risks for puppies and young dogs.
Hookworms can be transmitted
from mother to puppy before birth, from mother to puppy
while nursing, from the environment when larvae penetrate
the skin or when a dog consumeseggs, larvae or contaminated
material. Signs of hookworm infection may include: weakness,
weight loss, diarrhea, and pale gums. Hookworms feed
by repeatedly removing small amounts of tissue from
the insides of the intestinal walls of the host animal,
resulting in blood loss and inflammation. Severe hookworm
infection can lead to anemia, debilitation, and even
death.
Roundworms and hookworms
can be transmitted to humans via ingestion of contaminated
material or by penetration of the skin by hookwirm larvae. Serious
consequences, including stomach ache, pneumonia, skin rashes,
and blindness, may result.
HEARTGARD Plus from Merial
is a tasty beef chewable, given once a month. HEARTGARD
Plus treats and control roundworms and hookworms in
dogs as young as 6 weeks of age, when a dog may be given
its very first dose. Ask your veterinarian about treating
and controlling gastrointestinal parasites with HEARTGARD
Plus.
Reminder Services
It’s simple to stay on
top of your dog’s administration schedule for HEARTGARD
Plus- click here to sign up for Reminder
Service for HEARTGARD Plus, free from Merial.com!
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