Heartworm Disease
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Heartworm disease is a serious, life threatening disease for dogs, and although less frequently, cats. It is spread by mosquitos, and any dog living in an area where there are heartworm positive dogs and mosquitoes present is at risk. When the mosquito bites a dog that has heartworm disease, it picks up blood carrying an immature parasite called microfilariae. This immature parasite then develops into the infective stage larvae in the mosquito. When the mosquito bites another dog, it transmits the larva, and infects the dog. The immature heartworm migrates throughout the tissue of the body, and eventually reaches the heart where it develops into an adult heartworm. The adult heartworm can reach a length of 6-18 inches.
Dogs with heartworm can be completely symptom free , or can show one or more signs such as coughing, listlessness, weakness, weight loss, or labored breathing. Dogs can be treated for heartworm disease; however treatment can be difficult, so prevention is the best medicine.
Pets here in the valley should be tested yearly for heartworm, and treated monthly with the preventative, Heartgard Plus Chewable Tablets. Heartgard also treats and prevents the intestinal parasites roundworms and hookworms.
Submitted by Animal Health Services of Cave Creek