Whitworth Animal Clinic: Heartworms

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Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria Immitis, which lives in the right side of the heart and the adjacent blood vessels. Its presence in these blood vessels causes cardiovascular weakness, compromised lung incapacity, and eventual death. Heartworm disease occurs primarily in dogs but can occur in cats and other animals on rare occasions.

Heartworm infection is spread from animal to animal by mosquitoes. It begins when an adult female heartworm releases her young into an infected animal’s bloodstream. When a mosquito ingests blood from the infected animal, it picks up the female heartworm’s offspring, or microfilariae. In the next 12 to 14 days, the microfilariae develop into infective larvae while inside of the mosquito. When the mosquito bites another animal, the larvae enter the blood stream and migrate to the right side of the heart, where they eventually develop into adult worms.

Sometimes, a dog or cat may have heartworms but show no symptoms until the disease is well advanced. Treating a heartworm infected animal is a long and delicate process, requiring exercise restriction and confinement. Recovery time can take months to complete. This is why prevention is preferred over treatment. Several effective preventative treatment options are available at Whitworth Animal Clinic, including monthly oral and topical medications. Talk with Dr. Whitworth to make sure your pet is protected against the deadly Heartworm disease.

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