Heartworm Disease in Dogs - Doggozila Magazine

Dogazila magazine presents to you what is a heartworm disease in dogs

What kind of disease is the heartworm disease? Also called derophiloriasis is a fatal disease caused by

dyrophilaria amitis, a footlong parasite. Heartworm disease. Those parasites live in the hearts

lungs and blood vessels in dogs. The heartworms can cause heart failure, damage to the arteries and

lung diseases. Dogs are known to be natural hosts for heartworms. If heartworms get

to live inside the dog, can easily mate and produce offspring. Their number can increase up to 300

worms if the dog is untreated. That is why prevention is the best option. How hearthworm disease is

transmitted. The heartworm disease can only be spread by infected mosquito. This disease can be

transmitted if adult female heartworm is already living in a dog. When is producing baby worms

is known as microfillaria. The microphalaria circulate in the bloodstream, then is developing and

maturing into larvae over a period of 10 to 14 days, and when the infected dog is bitten by the

mosquito the mosquito grabs these baby worms If the infected mosquito bites another dog the larvae set down on the surface of the dog fur or skin entering the new host with the help of the infected mosquito When the larvae is inside

the new host, the larvae matures into adult heartworms. It takes approximately six months

the larvae to become an adult heartworm. Those new developed heartworms can live for five to seven

years in your fury friends. This can cause internal damage of the heart, lungs and blood vessels. During the

mosquito season, the number of worms can increase in the infected dog due to the long life of the

heartworms. Symptoms of heartworm disease. It may take several years before dogs show some signs of

infection. In the early stages the dogs may show or may not show symptoms. Usually by the time the dog

shows any clinical sign, the heartworm disease is well advanced. Symptoms of heartworm disease

include decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, soft dry and persistent cough, blood in urine

breathing distress, weakness or anemia. When the disease progresses, the dog's belly might

look swollen because of the excess fluid in his or her abdomen. If the number of heartworms

is large they can block the blood flow of the heart vessels This could lead to a cardiovascular collapse or heart failure This life illness is known as Kavl syndrome Tests for heartworm disease As mentioned above the heartworm disease is a very serious and

life-threatting disease. If it is detected and confirmed in the early stages, the chances for recovering

are better. The presence of a heartworm can be tested only by a small blood sample of your dog

Other ways to diagnose the disease is serological test for antigens to heartworms, chest x-rays

in order to see if there is a presence of heart or lung damage, ecocardiography, in order to see

if there is heart enlargement or presence of worms in the heart and associated blood vessels

Treatment for heartworm disease. If your dog is diagnosed with severe heartworm disease your vet

may give you antibiotics, pain relievers, drugs for improving the heart function

diuretics for removing the excess fluid in their lungs, and special diet. The health of a lot of dogs who have the heartworm disease may improve, by showing weight gain

improved appetite, and renewed vitality, but might need a lifetime treatment for heart failure

treated by using diuretics or other heart medications such as beta blockers, cardiac glycosides

and ACE inhibitors followed by special low salt diets Most asked questions about heartworm disease Is heartworm disease common in dogs The disease is widespread in many areas particularly where mosquitoes are prevalent It more common in regions

with warmer climates. How can I prevent heartworm infection in my dog? Preventing heartworm

infection involves using heartworm prevention medications, which are available in various forms

including monthly tablets, topical solutions and injections. What are the treatment? options. Treatment for this disease can be challenging and risky. It typically involves a series of

injections to kill adult heartworms. The treatment process may also include medications to

manage side effects and complications. Heartworm prevention medications. Heartworm prevention is the

most effective way to protect your dog. These medications are available by prescription from veterinarians

and should be administered regularly, especially in areas with a high risk of heartworm

transmission. Treatment for infected dogs. If your dog is diagnosed with the disease, treatment can be

complex and costly. It's crucial to follow your veterinarian's guidance for a successful outcome

Lifestyle and environmental considerations. Reducing your dog's exposure to mosquitoes, such as using mosquito