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Heartworm in Dogs

by Victoria Ries

Heartworm is a type of parasitic nematode of the roundworm species named Filarids; threadlike roundworms that infest dogs (and sometimes cats) lungs and heart chambers adversely affecting their health. Heartworms are contracted by dogs sniffing feces. The parasites then multiply quickly in the lungs’ arteries growing rapidly in dividing cells; this is why puppies and not older dogs are usually affected by this parasite. Cats are prone to getting heartworm along with other mammals that suckle their young such as wolves.

The lifecycle of a heartworm begins with the adult heartworm releasing eggs into an animal’s bloodstream. The eggs she releases are called microfilariae, which subsequently infect mosquitoes as they bite and ingest a blood meal from the host mammal. Over the next two weeks the microfilariae reach maturity within the mosquitos’ body. At this time the heartworm is at the infective larval stage. Heartworm is passed along to the next host when the infected mosquito bites a dog or cat; the infective larvae enter the host mammal via the bite wound taking six months to mature into adult heartworms to begin the lifecycle once more.

The affected mammal displays fatigue along with a mild cough. Congestive heart failure may develop if the mammal is not treated for the parasitic infection. Pets symptomatic of this sometimes fatal infection should receive veterinary attention as soon as possible. Heartworm infestation can be treated successfully if not too severe by using a series of shots of adulticide administered to the dog intramuscularly. Adulticide is an effective drug for killing the parasite. The treated dog does not usually require hospitalization however must be allowed to rest and take it easy for at least two months to prevent the dead worms from blocking his blood flow.

Puppies should be vaccinated against heartworm as a reliable preventative measure to ensure their future health.