Symptoms of heartworm disease in canines are loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath indicated by gasping and gulping for air, coughing that continues unabated, coat deterioration, swollen limbs, and, in severe cases, jaundice and collapse.
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Prevention/Solution
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A blood test can determine if your dog has heartworms and should be used before beginning the preventative medication. The medication that prevents heartworms in dogs is available in a daily or monthly pill, and can be prescribed by your veterinarian.
Who is Susceptible?
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Heartworm has been found in dogs, wolves, raccoons, foxes, sea lions, cats and, surprisingly, humans, where it has been misdiagnosed as liver and kidney problems.
Geography
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Heartworm has been found around the world but is more commonly seen in tropic and subtropic zones where mosquitoes are found year round.
Little-Known Fact
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Monthly heartworm preventative offers protection for up to 45 days, but veterinarians are reluctant to tell this to clients because recommending the 30-day regimen protects your dog for an additional 15 days if you forget to dose your dog.
Treatment
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Melarsomine dihydrochloride is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of heartworms. Dogs receive an injection of the drug and must be kept as immobile as possible during the treatment process.
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