Dog Health
Issues - Description of Heartworms ( Dirofilaria immitis )
It is not surprising that Heartworms are often referred to in two
separate words as in Heart Worms because the description of these
parasites is that live inside the dog's heart. These types of worms are called Dirofilaria immitis.
Heartworms measure about 25-30cm long
and live in the dog's heart and feed off the blood of
the dog. Heartworms are transmitted via the mosquito as the
carrier host - Dogs get heartworms when an infected mosquito bites
them. Severe infestation can cause sudden death as Heartworms can
obstruct the heart and blood vessels leading to high blood
pressure and causing heart failure.
Dog Health
Problems - Transmission of Worms
including Heartworms
Heartworms are transmitted via mosquito bites. Microfilaria
penetrates the dog's skin and travels through the body to the
heart.
Dog Health
Problems - Symptoms of Heartworms
The symptoms of Heartworms are as follows:
Coughing
Weight loss
Apathy
Dog Health
Information - Treatment of
Worms
Treatment
for Heartworms
Heartworm infection occurs throughout the USA but is particularly
common in mosquito infected areas. As the treatment is both expensive and
dangerous it is necessary in high risk areas to obtain preventative
medication from your canine Health specialist. In this case prevention
really is better than cure!
The treatment for Heart worm is as follows:
Medication to kill the adult
heartworm in the heart
Medication to kill the
microfilaria
Preventative medication to
prevent recontamination via mosquito bites
Treatment is normally successful
in the early stages of the disease, however, if damage has already
occurred to the heart the parasite might be destroyed but the symptoms
remain for life.
Dog Health
Issues - Different Types of
Worms
There are several types of parasites, or worms, which affect pets
and are as follows:
Roundworms also referred to as
Round worms - (Called Ascarids)
Whipworms also referred to as
Whip worms (Trichuris vulpis)
Hookworms also referred to as
Hook worms (Ancylostoma caninum)
Tapeworms also referred to as
Tape worms (Dipylidium caninum)
Dog Health
Advice
We hope that the canine health information and dog health advice
has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are
in doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Health
Specialist.
Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
The sole purpose of the Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems is as a reference
manual to provide useful information to dog and puppy owners. It
is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a
substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please
remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health
please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately.
