Heartworms can be transmitted to pets by more than seventy species of mosquitoes. The heartworm larvae develop within the mosquito. When the mosquito bites the dog, it transfuses the larvae into the dog’s body tissue. From there, the larvae travel to the bloodstream and continue to develop into adult worms in the heart. Since mosquitoes can get indoors, all dogs are vulnerable.
Adult heartworms live in the right side of the heart and pulmonary arteries where they restrict blood flow and cause organ damage. Blockage and injury caused by heartworms may lead to heart failure, liver damage, and kidney damage. Symptoms include: cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting, weight loss, exercise intolerance, enlarged liver, and abnormal lung or heart sounds.
Treating dogs for heartworm disease can be lengthy, expensive, and life-threatening. Therefore, PREVENTION IS THE KEY! A tablet administered once a month prevents your pet from contracting heartworm disease.
We offer a quick, easy, and inexpensive blood test for heartworm disease here in the hospital. If you aren’t already using a monthly heartworm preventitive, ask us about testing your dog the next time you are in. It could save his life!
