Heartworm
(dirofilaria immitis)
Heartworms (dirofilaria immitis) are one of many species of
roundworms. Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms living in
the arteries of the lung and the right ventricle of the heart. It is a serious
and potentially fatal condition.
How does my pet become infected?
Adult female heartworms living within the infected animal's body
release their young, called microfilariae, into their host's bloodstream.
A mosquito becomes infected with these microfilariae after biting into
an infected animal. During the next 10-14 days, the microfilariae
mature into the infective larval stage within the mosquito. When the
mosquito bites your dog, the larvae enters through the bite wound.
After six months, the larvae mature into adult worms within your dog
Is my dog at risk for heartworm disease?
Heartworm disease has been found throughout the United States
and every dog is potentially at risk. However, there are certain
climates, mosquito, and dog population factors that allow a higher
incidence of heartworm disease. The highest incident rates have been
found near the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from the Gulf of Mexico to New
Jersey and along the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
Idaho's desert climate has contributed to a lower incidence.
Treatment protocol for heartworm varies from one veterinarian to
another. Ask your vet if your dog is at risk for heartworm disease.
Many fortunate dogs travel with their owners. It is highly
recommended that you research each destination for potential
heartworm risk. Your veterinarian can prescribe a heartworm treatment
that would be best for your companion.
What are the symptoms of heartworm disease?
During the initial infection stage, no obvious symptoms are present.
As the heartworm disease progresses, your dog may develop a
cough and may become exercise intolerant. At the most severe stage
of infection, your dog will have difficulty breathing. A physical
examination will reveal abnormal lung and heart sounds. Fluid can fill
the abdominal cavity and the liver may become enlarged.
How is heartworm disease diagnosed?
When your veterinarian tests your dog for heartworm, a blood
sample will be taken. An antigen test is performed to detect specific
antigens (a substance creating an immune response in the body)
from adult female heartworms. This test will accurately detect infection
with one or more mature female heartworms that are at least 7 or 8
months old. If the test is negative, it is important to observe your dog
since the test cannot detect infection less than 5 months duration.
How do you prevent heartworm disease?
Remember to check with your own veterinarian regarding heartworm
prevention for your dog. If your dog has been infected, the
medication "prevents" the larvae from maturing into adult heartworms.
This medication does not kill adult heartworms, only the larvae. The
most common treatment requires your dog to take a pill once a
month. Preventative drugs are extremely effective when the
medication is administered properly each month. (The common
heartworm medication that we prescribe is a chewable tablet called
Interceptor.)
If you are traveling to a heartworm area, medication must be given
two weeks after you have entered the area. If your dog could possibly
be infected, a heartworm test should be performed prior to starting a
prevention program.
For more information about heartworm visit:
http://www.heartwormsociety.org/
Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this one
do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their
veterinarian before acting on it.
*For More Information Please Contact Your Vet!*
(dirofilaria immitis)
Heartworms (dirofilaria immitis) are one of many species of
roundworms. Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms living in
the arteries of the lung and the right ventricle of the heart. It is a serious
and potentially fatal condition.
How does my pet become infected?
Adult female heartworms living within the infected animal's body
release their young, called microfilariae, into their host's bloodstream.
A mosquito becomes infected with these microfilariae after biting into
an infected animal. During the next 10-14 days, the microfilariae
mature into the infective larval stage within the mosquito. When the
mosquito bites your dog, the larvae enters through the bite wound.
After six months, the larvae mature into adult worms within your dog
Is my dog at risk for heartworm disease?
Heartworm disease has been found throughout the United States
and every dog is potentially at risk. However, there are certain
climates, mosquito, and dog population factors that allow a higher
incidence of heartworm disease. The highest incident rates have been
found near the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from the Gulf of Mexico to New
Jersey and along the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
Idaho's desert climate has contributed to a lower incidence.
Treatment protocol for heartworm varies from one veterinarian to
another. Ask your vet if your dog is at risk for heartworm disease.
Many fortunate dogs travel with their owners. It is highly
recommended that you research each destination for potential
heartworm risk. Your veterinarian can prescribe a heartworm treatment
that would be best for your companion.
What are the symptoms of heartworm disease?
During the initial infection stage, no obvious symptoms are present.
As the heartworm disease progresses, your dog may develop a
cough and may become exercise intolerant. At the most severe stage
of infection, your dog will have difficulty breathing. A physical
examination will reveal abnormal lung and heart sounds. Fluid can fill
the abdominal cavity and the liver may become enlarged.
How is heartworm disease diagnosed?
When your veterinarian tests your dog for heartworm, a blood
sample will be taken. An antigen test is performed to detect specific
antigens (a substance creating an immune response in the body)
from adult female heartworms. This test will accurately detect infection
with one or more mature female heartworms that are at least 7 or 8
months old. If the test is negative, it is important to observe your dog
since the test cannot detect infection less than 5 months duration.
How do you prevent heartworm disease?
Remember to check with your own veterinarian regarding heartworm
prevention for your dog. If your dog has been infected, the
medication "prevents" the larvae from maturing into adult heartworms.
This medication does not kill adult heartworms, only the larvae. The
most common treatment requires your dog to take a pill once a
month. Preventative drugs are extremely effective when the
medication is administered properly each month. (The common
heartworm medication that we prescribe is a chewable tablet called
Interceptor.)
If you are traveling to a heartworm area, medication must be given
two weeks after you have entered the area. If your dog could possibly
be infected, a heartworm test should be performed prior to starting a
prevention program.
For more information about heartworm visit:
http://www.heartwormsociety.org/
Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this one
do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their
veterinarian before acting on it.
*For More Information Please Contact Your Vet!*
 |  |  |  |  |