Heartworms live in the right side of the heart and the lungs of dogs, cats and other mammals. The classifications for heartworms are nematodes and filarids, which are species of roundworms. According to the American Heartworm Society, heartworms are detected through a blood test for heartworm "antigens" or microfilaria. Unfortunately, neither test is generally positive until about seven months after infection. No signs or symptoms are apparent during the early stages of heartworm disease.
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Signs
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A sign of a disease, such as heartworms, is something that can be physically seen. The signs of heartworm infestation are similar to other diseases, including dull coat, skin disease, weight loss and vomiting. Also, fluid collecting in the abdomen, or ascites, caused by kidney and liver failure may be present when heartworms are affecting an animal. Shaking is not generally a sign of heartworms, but may be present in the advanced stages due to lack of blood flow and organ failure.
Symptoms
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Symptoms are not physically seen, but are felt by the animal. Symptoms cause the animal to feel and act differently. The symptoms associated with heartworm disease are loss of appetite, coughing, weakness, lack of energy and difficulty breathing due to lung infestation. Also, animals with heartworms may lose consciousness due to lack of blood flow.
Tests
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Veterinarians run tests to determine if heartworms are present. The tests show if certain symptoms are present, including swelling of the liver, blood in the sputum, rapid heartbeat and abnormal lung sounds. Also, blood tests detect the antigens from the heartworms to verify they are the culprit since the symptoms of heartworm disease are similar to bronchitis or pulmonary disease.
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