 | Dr. Laura Morland graduated from Kansas State University in 1971 with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Dr. Morland is very involved in her community. She has four children and two grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys raising Yorkies, Cairns and Maltese, and being a grandma. Dr. Morland may be reached at 620-724-8054 or visit www.girardanimalhospital.com. |
Pets
2011-04-01 13:55:00
Heartworm disease
Answer: Canine heartworm disease develops when a dog is bitten by mosquito carrying microscopic heartworm larvae (juvenile worms) of a parasite called Dirofilaria Immitis. As a mosquito feeds, these larvae are deposited on the dog and quickly penetrate the skin to begin their migration into the dog’s bloodstream. Adult heartworms can grow 10 to 12 inches in length and make their home in the right side of the heart and pulmonary (lung) arteries, often causing lung disease and heart failure. It is now known that the adult worms can live up to 7-years. Although easy to prevent, heartworm disease continues to be a major health problems for dogs living in the United States.
Since some dogs can be infected for many years before symptoms develop, heartworm disease in dogs may not be obvious. But, as heartworms slowly cause damage to the pulmonary arteries of the lungs, signs of disease may include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite and weight loss. Eventually, as blood flow through the diseased lungs becomes more restricted, some dogs can develop heart failure.
Numerous blood tests are available for detecting heartworm infections in dogs, and your veterinarian will perform the test most appropriate for your dog. All dogs should be tested especially before starting on a preventative. Heartworm preventatives are effective when given properly and on a timely schedule. The best way to eliminate the risk of heartworm infection in your dog is to institute a year-round prevention program.
While the risk of infection in dogs varies from one region of the country to another and even from one community to another, one fact remains...heartworm disease is a threat to unprotected dogs in every state, even some parts of Alaska. Unprotected dogs, foxes, coyotes and wolves act as reservoirs, or sources, for the spread of this serious disease.
