A heartworm is a parasite that attacks the heart, lungs and other nearby organs of dogs, cats and other animals. The parasites are transmitted via mosquito and can live inside a host for several years, growing continuously. Blood tests are used to determine the presence of the heartworm. If left untreated, heartworm disease can lead to congestive heart failure. In many cases, the disease is already in an advanced stage once symptoms occur. Heartworm disease is preventable through the use of medications.
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Mosquito bite
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According to the American Heartworm Society, mosquitoes ingest immature heartworm larvae when sucking the blood of an infected animal. The mosquito then passes the disease on to other animals via its bite.
Maturation
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The heartworm larvae continue to mature inside the infected animal's bloodstream for about six months. Full-grown heartworms can reach a length of up to 12 inches.
Migration
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Concurrent with their maturation, the heartworm larvae migrate through the infected animal's blood vessels until they reach their final destination: the heart and lungs of the animal.
Immune System Attack
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According to the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at the University of Missouri, the presence of the worms causes the animal's immune system to produce additional organisms in an attempt to fight the disease.
Vascular Damage
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Heartworms continue to affect the way blood flows through the host's heart and lungs, eventually damaging the vascular system of the lungs.
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