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Each time you take Bosco to the veterinarian, you are asked if you want him to have a heartworm test so he can get a monthly heartworm preventative. While this test may add a little to the day’s bill, it is a good test to have done. Heartworms are a very dangerous disease that can take Bosco’s life; however, a monthly preventative is very effective. How Does a Dog Become Infected with Heartworms? Dirofilaria immitus are thin worms that infect a dog’s pulmonary arteries, lungs and heart. The life cycle of heartworms begins with a dog that is already infected with the worms. The infected dog is bitten by a mosquito and the immature microfilariae are ingested by the mosquito. The microfilariae molt in the mosquito and can now infect another dog. When an infected mosquito bites a dog that hasn’t had the preventative heartworm medicine, the dog becomes infected with the microfilariae. The microfilariae molt under the dog’s skin in approximately 10 days and again in approximately 60 days from the first molt. The microfilariae molt again and begin to migrate to the heart and lungs. From this point, it only takes about four months for the microfilariae to mature into an adult worm known as the dirofilaria immitus. What are Some Symptoms of Heartworms? Because heartworms affect the arteries and blood flow, the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen is altered. The first thing you’ll notice is Bosco coughing. He may not be able to tolerate exercise as he once did. You may notice that he looks swollen as a result of the retained fluid in the abdomen and chest areas. How are Heartworms Diagnosed? Before heartworms can be diagnosed, they must reach maturity, which takes approximately six months from the date the mosquito bit Bosco. This is the reason why annual testing is recommended. There are two tests available to test Bosco for heartworms: microfilaria testing and antigen testing. Microfilaria testing is best suited for mature heartworms. Antigen testing is best suited for immature heartworms. How Do Heartworms Cause Damage? If Bosco contracts heartworms, his body will try to fight the worms off by producing a number of different substances. These substances destroy the foreign proteins in the worms; however, Bosco’s vascular system gets damaged in the process. Additionally, when the heartworms die, the arteries near the heart and lungs can become clogged, which cuts off blood supply to those vital organs. How are Heartworms Treated? If Bosco does contract heartworms, he will have to go through a rough treatment protocol. The exact method of treatment depends on Bosco’s veterinarian’s preferences and the stage of the heartworm disease. Thiacetarsamide sodium given through an intravenous infusion is usually used for adult heartworms. Melarsomine dihydrochloride is another treatment option, which is given as an injection. Regardless of what type of treatment Bosco undergoes for his heartworms, he will have to be kept quiet during the treatment and for at least six weeks following treatment. This is necessary because of the risk of dead heartworms clogging the arteries. If Bosco goes out for a walk and one of the heartworms dies, there is an increased likelihood of a clogged artery. Where in the World are Heartworms a Problem? Heartworms affect dogs in the entire United States and most of the world. They are more common in tropical climates. There is a chance of Bosco contracting heartworms anywhere that mosquitoes are present. For this reason, it is a good option to give Bosco heartworm preventative year round unless he has a medical reason to take the preventative only during the active mosquito season. Ivan’s Puppies has been breeding and training puppies for over 30 years. Our hard work has been paying off, as now we are proud to be breeding Bulldog litters with excellent quality, with little to no health problems and good temperaments. For English Bulldog Puppies, visit our website at www.BulldogsNewYork.com.
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dog, puppy, heartworm, disease, Dirofilaria, immitus, symptoms, prevention, treatment,
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