Author: Kelly Marshall
Heartworms are found almost around the world, with the most
problematic regions being the warmer, more southern climates
including most of the United States. Heartworms can infect
dogs, cats, wolves, coyotes, foxes and other animals and this
is what makes treating this condition so difficult.
Life Cycle
The heartworm starts its active life in the larva stage in a
mosquito. The mosquito acts as both the host and the carrier
for the parasite as it pulls the larva up when it draws blood
from an infected animal and then deposits into a healthy dog or
animal when it bites again. Once the larva is in the new animal,
they burrow into the dog, seeking a blood vessel. They enter the
blood vessels and travel to the right side of the heart by blood
movement through the veins. Once in the heart the heartworms
anchor themselves and grow. They can reach lengths of up to
twelve inches and look like cooked spaghetti in the dog's
heart. They restrict the movement of blood through the heart as
well as cause respiratory and other circulatory problems.
When the heartworms mature in the heart they then begin to
produce eggs. This maturation process takes about six to eight
months. A single female heartworm can produce thousands of live
larva a day. These larva are then released into the arteries and
carried to the outer areas of the body where they remain dormant
for up to three years. They simply sit in the body and wait to
be drawn up by a mosquito, where they in turn become active
again and infest another dog when the mosquito bites.
Since there are so many wild animals and untreated domestic
pets it is hard to control the spread of the parasite.
The Treatment
Thankfully there are several monthly pills or topical
applications that can be given to dogs to prevent heartworms
from living in the body, even if the dog is bitten by an
infected mosquito. The treatments can also cure heartworms
infestations in dogs provided the animal is otherwise healthy
and the infestation is not severe.
A vet will blood test the dog to check for the presence of
larva in the blood. Some dogs may carry the larva but may not
have active infestations, whereas other dogs may have minor
infestations but have very serious symptoms.
Generally the symptoms of heartworm infestation include:
·Coughing
·Inability to exercise without wheezing, coughing or retching
·Abnormal lung sounds
·Loss of consciousness
Generally if the symptoms are noted the infestation is already
severe. It is always best to keep the dog on heartworm
treatment from about the age of seven months on through their
life to prevent the condition from developing.
If you live in an area where heartworms are not a problem and
you are planning to travel to an area where they are with the
dog be sure to start the dog on treatment at least one to two
months in advance. Talk to your vet and determine which option
for treatment is best for your dog.
About The Author: Kelly Marshall is a popular pet author. See
more of her work at
http://www.buzzle.com/authors.asp?author=2151
