Heartworm disease is a serious disease that results in severe lung disease, heart failure, other organ damage, and death in pets, mainly dogs, cats, and ferrets. It is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. The worms are spread through the bite of a mosquito. 22 авг. 2019 г.
What are the first signs of heartworms in dogs?
Early-stage symptoms of heartworm diseasePersistent cough. Unlike a regular cough or a kennel cough, which is strong and sporadic, a heartworm- related cough is dry and persistent. ... Lethargy. ... Weight loss. ... Difficulty breathing. ... Bulging ribs.5 Signs Your Dog May Have Heartworms - PetPro Connect
Can heartworm in dogs be cured?
Your veterinarian will advise you on the best treatment approach for dogs diagnosed with advanced heartworm disease. Treatment to kill adult heartworms. An injectable drug, melarsomine (brand name Immiticide®), is given to kill adult heartworms. Melarsomine kills the adult heartworms in the heart and adjacent vessels.
What happens when a dog gets heartworm?
As heartworm disease progresses, pets may develop heart failure and the appearance of a swollen belly due to excess fluid in the abdomen. Dogs with large numbers of heartworms can develop a sudden blockages of blood flow within the heart leading to a life-threatening form of cardiovascular collapse.
How do dogs get heartworm?
Heartworms are transmitted from an infected animal to your healthy dog through mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites your dog, the mosquito can also pass on infective larvae. Over 6 to 7 months, these larvae develop into adult heartworms, causing severe health issues and potentially death.
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