Heartworm infection is one of the most common, and most preventable, diseases of dogs. Heartworm infections have been documented throughout the United States, Canada and southern Europe, and even into parts of South America and Asia. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, if left untreated, heartworm disease will always be fatal. Annual heartworm testing is recommended, but recognizing the symptoms of heartworm disease can also help owners act quickly to save the lives of their canine companions when heartworm infection strikes.
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Coughing
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Dogs with heartworm infection rarely show clinical symptoms until the disease has progressed. The first sign of heartworms is usually a mild, chronic cough. At this stage, the infection load is mild and easily treated. A simple blood test can confirm or rule out heartworm infection as the cause of the cough.
Lethargy and Intolerance of Exercise
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Energy levels decrease as heartworm disease progresses. As the heartworm infection progresses and the worm load becomes heavier, dogs may become more lethargic and have less tolerance for exercise. Breathing may become labored, especially during exercise. Once these clinical symptoms develop, changes in the heart and lungs are usually apparent on x-rays. In some cases, the damage to the heart and lungs may cause fluid accumulation, often in the abdomen, which gives the dog a pot-bellied appearance. At this point in the disease progression, aggressive treatment is necessary or the disease may become fatal.
Caval Syndrome
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At the final stage of heartworm infection, a condition called caval syndrome will develop. The worms in the heart will begin to block the blood flow, often leading to heart failure or a heart attack in the dog. Emergency surgery to remove the worms is the only treatment option if the disease has progressed this far. Even with emergency surgery, many dogs who develop caval syndrom will die.
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