|
| |
     
Heartworm is a preventable
life-threatening disease.
 | Heartworm disease
 | Caused by parasitic worm, Dirofilaria immitus |
| Larvae develop into adult worms that live in the heart and pulmonary
blood vessels |
| Symptoms include weight loss, coughing, weakness, and finally heart
failure and death |
|
| Prevalence
| Transmitted by mosquitoes |
| Takes 6 months from exposure to result in adult worms in the heart |
| Present in states east of the Rockies, and higher infection rates in
warmer climates |
| 1 in 10 exposed dogs in Illinois will develop disease each year |
|
| Testing
| Blood test should be performed annually to rule out current infection |
| Testing is required prior to starting preventative medication |
| Puppies less than 6 months of age do not require testing |
|
| Prevention
| Many safe and effective preventative medications are available |
| Most oral preventatives (such as Interceptor) are given once a month and
also prevent intestinal worms |
|
| Treatment
| Heartworm disease can be successfully treated |
| Early detection with annual blood tests improves chances of positive
outcome |
| Careful pre-treatment screening with blood profiles and x-rays are
important |
| Requires injectable medication, hospitalization, restricted activity at
home, and follow up treatments and testing |
|
| |
|
