Heartworms are parasites carried by mosquitoes that most commonly infect dogs' major organs including the heart, lungs and pulmonary arteries. Once infected, heartworms can thrive and multiply up to five years. These parasites damage and block blood vessels to the animal's major organs, which causes further organ damage and massive health complications. Untreated and severe heartworm disease can lead to death.
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Mild Disease
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When a dog is first infected, the symptoms are very mild and easily undetected. They include a slight cough and fatigue. In many cases, however, the dog will be completely asymptomatic.
Moderate Disease
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The signs become more noticeable as the infection progresses. These signs include deeper coughing, intolerance to exercise, breathing difficulties and loss of appetite.
Severe Disease
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When the infection becomes severe, the symptoms worsen to severe coughing and breathing difficulties, abnormal lung sounds, liver enlargement, jaundice, loss of consciousness, swollen abdomen, abnormal heart rate and weight loss. Most dogs do not survive when the infection becomes this severe.
Treatment
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Heartworm treatment is usually extremely costly and can include exposing the pet to additional harmful and possibly fatal chemicals such as arsenic. In some cases, the only way to remove the worms is through surgery.
Prevention
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Prevention is the best way to control the heartworm risk. A simple monthly medication will prevent any future heartworm infestation.
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