Heartworm can be a deadly disease for a pet. It can interfere with an animal's health and eventually lead to death. The cost of treatment can be measured in terms of time and money. Owners must be aware of this in order to be prepared, should infection occur.
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What Is Heartworm?
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Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes via bite. The mosquito transmits larva into the animal's bloodstream through its saliva. The larvae then grow and attach themselves to the walls of the heart. Female heartworms can grow up to 16 inches long, according to petsandparasites.com; males are about half of this length, and can be identified by their corkscrew shape.
Heartworm Treatment Cost
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The cost of treatment can be measured in both time and money. The dog must be treated for a minimum of eight hours. The dog can be treated intravenously, or by injections into the lower back. This must be done at a veterinarian hospital and usually results in an overnight stay. Financially, according to the website beagles.unlimited.com, the price of medication can go from $175 to $300.
Things to Watch Out For
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Note that the medication for heartworm must be acquired by prescription only. Avoid any source that offers it without a prescription; the wrong drug could be given, or the drug may not work at all. Follow the instructions carefully when administering the medication. If it is not given properly, the pet may not rid itself of the infection or it may get worse. Lastly, always wash your hands after treating the pet.
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