Heartworm Disease in Dogs
Mode of transmission:Bite of mosquitoes.
System affected:Right side of heart and blood vessels.
End result of this infection:Cardiovascular weakness,compromised lung incapacity and eventual death.
Duration of time taken to appear symptoms:6-7 months.
How this affect the body of dog:The parasite produces a large number of larvae called microfilaria which will circulate in the blood stream and eventually end up in the right chamber of heart.This will result in an increased workload on the heart, along with restricted blood flow to the lungs, kidneys, and liver, eventually causing multiple organ failure.
Clinical signs:Chronic cough,exercise intolerance,sometimes sudden collapse and death.
Risk involved:Infected dog can act as a carrier or reservoir of infection.At this stage they will not show any symptoms of infection.
Prevention:Oral and topical medications given monthly.
Treatment:This option is also available.But in this case prevention is better than cure.
Recommendation:Follow monthly heart worm preventive medication to avoid this fatal condition.
PET VET
