What is heart worm?
When a mosquito bites a dog infected with heart worms, the mosquito ingests first-stage heart worm larvae (immature heart worms). Once inside the mosquito, the first-stage larvae develop into infective larvae with in a few weeks. When such an "infected" mosquito bites a normal dog, the infective heart worm larvae are transferred to the normal dog, thus infecting it with heart worms.
Once inside the dog's body, the worms migrate to the pulmonary arteries and heart where they can grow to as long as 14 inches. The mature heart worms begin producing larvae which then enters the dog's bloodstream. The adult heart worms remain alive and can obstruct blood vessels, heart chambers and valves. This can cause serious problems with the lungs and other vital organs. Untreated heart worm disease is usually fatal.
The symptoms of heart worm infection include chronic cough, fatigue diminished appetite and weight loss. Unfortunately these signs often do not appear until the infection is severe.
The best way to prevent heart worm infection in your dog is to use heart worm preventative. There are several options to choose from:
1. Heartguard Plus (ivermectin) Chew-able once a month tablet prevents Heart worm disease and controls roundworm and hookworm infections in dogs.
2. Interceptor (Milbemycin Oxime) Once a month flavor tablet to prevent Heart worm disease, control adult hookworm infection and remove and control adult roundworms and whip worms.
3. Proheart 6 Injectable is the newest heart worm prevention. This is an injection which last for 6 months.
As indicated above heart worm preventatives are often given monthly, starting 30 days prior to and ending 30 days after the mosquito season. The mosquito season in this region usually last from May through August or September. A common regime is to start your dog on heart worm preventative in April and continue through September or October. Dogs may also be kept on the medication year round for convenience. Dogs that travel south during the fall or winter need to remain on heart worm preventative year round.
Dogs that have never used heart worm preventative must be tested for heart worm larvae prior to being placed on heart worm preventative. A blood sample is drawn in the office. Consult with your veterinarian to learn more or contact us at the phone number or email address listed below.
