Heartworm disease in dogs is caused by tiny, parasitic worms. The worms are transmitted by mosquitoes and live in the right ventricle of the dogs heart. The heartworms are thin, strand-like worms that look like thin spaghetti.
Heartworm disease in dogs can compromise the function of the heart and cause death. Heartworm disease in dogs can happen anywhere in the world. Heartworm medication can prevent heartworm disease.
The preventative medication for heartworm disease in dogs can be given to puppies that are at least eight weeks old. Adult dogs need to be tested for heartworms before given the preventative medicine.
Symptoms of heartworm disease may not develop until the disease has progressed to a severe heartworm infection. Many times, the first sign of heartworm disease in dogs is a decrease in activity. Jaundice, convulsions, coughing, shortness of breath, and vision problems can be signs of heartworm disease.
Severe heartworm disease can cause an enlarged liver, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, and loss of consciousness. As the heartworm disease progresses, the dog may succumb to congestive heart failure.
Heartworm disease is diagnosed with the use of blood tests. The blood tests check for the presence of heartworm larvae in the blood sample. X-rays are also used at times to check for heartworms.
In addition to the danger of heartworm disease, the treatment is also potentially fatal. The more advanced the heartworm disease is, the more dangerous the treatment for heartworm disease is.
The harsh chemicals used to treat heartworm disease kills the adult and immature heartworms. There is also danger of a large collection of heartworms being killed in the heart and blocking the blood flow. A veterinarian may not recommend heartworm treatment for dogs with severe heartworm disease or other health problems.
Other animals can also get heartworm disease including domestic cats, foxes, and raccoons. Heartworms do not pose a threat to humans.
Heartworm disease in dogs can compromise the function of the heart and cause death. Heartworm disease in dogs can happen anywhere in the world. Heartworm medication can prevent heartworm disease.
The preventative medication for heartworm disease in dogs can be given to puppies that are at least eight weeks old. Adult dogs need to be tested for heartworms before given the preventative medicine.
Symptoms of heartworm disease may not develop until the disease has progressed to a severe heartworm infection. Many times, the first sign of heartworm disease in dogs is a decrease in activity. Jaundice, convulsions, coughing, shortness of breath, and vision problems can be signs of heartworm disease.
Severe heartworm disease can cause an enlarged liver, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, and loss of consciousness. As the heartworm disease progresses, the dog may succumb to congestive heart failure.
Heartworm disease is diagnosed with the use of blood tests. The blood tests check for the presence of heartworm larvae in the blood sample. X-rays are also used at times to check for heartworms.
In addition to the danger of heartworm disease, the treatment is also potentially fatal. The more advanced the heartworm disease is, the more dangerous the treatment for heartworm disease is.
The harsh chemicals used to treat heartworm disease kills the adult and immature heartworms. There is also danger of a large collection of heartworms being killed in the heart and blocking the blood flow. A veterinarian may not recommend heartworm treatment for dogs with severe heartworm disease or other health problems.
Other animals can also get heartworm disease including domestic cats, foxes, and raccoons. Heartworms do not pose a threat to humans.
About the Author:
Moses Wright has been a lover of dogs for many years. He set up this site to provide information on non allergic dog breeds and signs of dog diseases to help fellow dog owners learn more about their pets.
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