A simple daily or monthly pill can prevent heartworm infestation, but dogs that test positive for heartworms need a different treatment to kill the worms and their larvae. The heartworm, or Dirofilaria immitis, is found all over the United States. Transmission of the parasite occurs via mosquito. According to Michigan State University, virtually all dogs exposed to heartworm will become infected. All dogs should be taken to the vet for heartworm testing, and, if they test negative, put on preventive medication. Don't risk losing a best friend to a curable disease.
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Symptoms
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The higher the number of worms in a dog's system, the more severe the symptoms. A persistent cough is indicative of mild heartworm disease. Dogs with moderate disease will cough, exhibit exercise intolerance--such as easily tiring after short walks or runs--and may develop abnormal sounds in the lungs. Symptoms of severe heartworm disease include breathing difficulties, temporarily loss of consciousness due to lack of blood flow to the brain, appetite loss, anemia, rapid heartbeat and accumulation of fluid in the chest. Heartworm disease can be fatal if untreated.
Diagnosis
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Diagnosis of heartworm disease includes blood testing, X-rays of the heart and lungs, along with a history and physical examination by a veterinarian. Besides the heart and lungs, heartworms are sometimes found in the eyes, spinal cord and abdomen. In the worst-case scenario, heartworms are visible in the valve by the right side of the heart, and the dog is near death. The only way to save it is by physically removing the heartworms through an incision in the jugular vein. The dog must recover sufficiently to undergo conventional heartworm treatment.
Treatment
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Treatment for heartworm disease consists primarily of melarsomine dihydrochloride, the only medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for killing adult heartworms. Administration is by intramuscular injection into the lower back, generally done at three intervals. When high numbers of heartworms die, the possibility of arterial obstruction may occur. For this reason, dogs recovering from adult heartworm treatment must be kept in a very quiet environment, with no exercise, for at least one month. This helps avoid an embolism. Recovering dogs may also require anti-inflammatories. Those with mild or moderate disease generally recover successfully, but dogs with severe infestation have higher complication factors and mortality rates. Be aware of nosebleeds, coughing and fever, and contact the vet immediately if you observe any.
Once the dog is determined by an antigen test to be heartworm-free, it may be prescribed one of several products, in pill and injectable form, that prevent infestation. Most of these de-wormers, available only from a vet, also eliminate other intestinal parasites in the dog. One popular de-wormer, ivermectin, should not be given to collies or collie mixes because of adverse reactions.
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