Heartworm disease in dogs is caused by infection with Dirofilaria immitis, a worm that may grow to be 14 inches long!  Heartworms live in the heart and arteries of the lungs of its host causing heart failure and possibly causing damage to the liver and kidneys. These parasites can infect dogs of any age, sex, or breed and can infect indoor dogs and well as dogs that spend most of their time outdoors. A dog infected with heartworm disease may or may not ever exhibit any indication of having the disease. It is of utmost importance that every dog be placed on heartworm preventative.

Clinical Signs:

• May exhibit no clinical signs at all!
• Coughing
• Exercise intolerance
• Fainting
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Distended abdomen
• Labored Breathing
• Bloody nose
• Pale coloring of gingiva
• Death with or without exhibiting clinical signs

Treatment:

• Expensive
• Requires hospitalization
• Involves killing off of adult heartworms over a slow period of weeks to months.
• Activity of pet must be restricted for at least 1-2 months after treatment.
• Special diets, antibiotics, and/or other medications such as heart medications may be prescribed.
• A follow up appointment is very important for your pet.  Your veterinarian will make sure your pet is clear of heartworm larvae and adults.  Your veterinarian will inform you when to begin preventative after treatment.

Prevention:

• It is much cheaper, easier, and SAFER to PREVENT the disease than to have to treat it!  Not to mention heartworm disease kills!
• Several different medications are available to prevent heartworm disease. Many of these will also prevent intestinal parasites that are contagious to humans, so it is also to your family’s benefit that your pet be protected.
• Dogs MUST be heartworm checked before being placed on preventative.