The term "heartworm disease" strikes fear in most dog and cat owners. The disease occurs in all 50 states and is a serious and potentially fatal condition. A responsible pet owner should know what heartworm disease is and how to prevent it. Prevention is key to keeping the disease contained, and noticing signs and symptoms in your dog and cat can lead to a positive treatment outcome.
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Heartworms
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The spread of heartworms starts with a female heartworm releasing its young in the bloodstream of an animal. Then that animal gets bitten by a mosquito, and the mosquito gets infected. The mosquito passes on the heartworm larvae through the bite wound of the next animal it feeds on, which can be your dog or cat.
Heartworms in Dogs
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Signs and symptoms of heartworms in dogs may not be noticeable in the early stages of the disease. Worms tend to accumulate over a period of months after repeated mosquito bites. Some clinical signs of heartworms in dogs are mild, but persistent cough, fatigue, weight loss and reluctance to move or go on daily walks or other activities are more prominent symptoms.
Heartworms in Cats
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In cats, the clinical signs of heartworm are vomiting, gagging, weight loss, rapid breathing and lethargy. All of these signs are also indicative of other feline diseases such as feline asthma or allergic bronchitis. The first stage of heartworm disease involves the heartworm entering a blood vessel and being carried to the pulmonary arteries. This can cause difficulty in breathing and lethargy.
Prevention
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Prevention is the responsibility of every pet owner. With the correct preventive measures, you can eliminate the chance of your dog or cat getting heartworm. Think of heartworm prevention as an investment in the health of your pet. It certainly is a lot cheaper than what you'll pay if you have to go through a treatment for heartworms. Several options are available on the market today, ranging from tablets to topical liquids. You should discuss the options available with your veterinarian.
Treatment
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In dogs, treatment can be successful with the use of an injected drug called adulticide. A series of treatments and usually a hospital stay are recommended. The recovery can last several months. Cats are able to rid themselves of the worms, but the reaction to the worms being cleared by the body can be severe and can result in shock, which is a life-threatening condition. If you suspect your dog or cat may have heartworms, please speak to your veterinarian immediately.
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