Animal Clinic of Warren "We love what we do, you'll love what we can do for you and your pets!" Call 732-356-9889 for an appointment ! |
(732)356-9889
www.animalclinicofwarren.com
Heartworm DiseaseA preventable disease that is agonizing to treat
Heartworm is a preventable disease that affects both dogs and cats. The life cycle of the heartworm begins when a mosquito bites and feeds on the blood of an infected dog that is carrying tiny immature heartworms, called microfilariae, in its blood. The mosquito takes in the immature heartworms when it feeds. During the next two-to-three weeks, the larvae develop into the infective stage within the mosquito. When the mosquito feeds again, it can transmit infective larvae to a healthy dog. The larvae enter the dog's body through the mosquitos bite wound , migrate through its tissues, and develop over the next few months, eventually reaching the dogs heart and lungs. Heartworms may be present in the heart and lungs approximately four months after initial infection. Once in the dogs heart, the worms may grow to between 7 and 11 inches in length. and cause significant damage to the heart and lungs. If left untreated, heartworm disease may result in death. After adult heartworms mate and produce immature heartworms an infected dog which is bitten by an uninfected mosquito will transmit microfilariae to the mosquito, beginning the cycle again. The life cycle of the heartworm is approximately 6 months. Whether your dog spends lots of time in the great outdoors, rarely ventures out of your own back yard, or is strictly an indoor dog, its at risk of exposure to heartworm. In fact, unless your dog is protected, with a monthly dose of heartworm medication which is administered once a month by the pet owner and as directed by your veterinarian, this parasite can endanger its health. Fortunately, heartworm disease can be prevented.
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