Heartworms In Dogs - What They Are & What To Do
Excerpt : Heartworms (Latin name Dirofilaria immitis) are parasitic worms that are common in both dogs and cats. Like their name suggests, they live in the dog's heart, normally free-floating in the right
Heartworms (Latin name Dirofilaria immitis) are parasitic worms that are common in both dogs and cats. Like their name suggests, they live in the dog's heart, normally free-floating in the right ventricle and nearby blood vessels. The worms are transmitted from dog to dog by mosquitoes which pass the worm larvae through their saliva. The presence of heartworms can be very dangerous to the dog's health. Although the dog will not display signs of infection until it has progressed
Buy this Art Print
considerably, heartworms can be life threatening and are sometimes difficult to detect and diagnose.
Signs of Heartworm Infection
When a dog is first infected with heartworms, there are literally no signs and the presence of heartworms can not be detected even with a blood test. Once the worm larva reaches the heart and matures, however, signs that are detectible by X-ray start to develop almost immediately. These include damage to the blood vessels around the heart and
Buy this Art Print
Also see :
Shih Tzu - Common Parasites In Dogs
Some common parasites affecting shih tzu and dogs in general
are: Chiggers, coccidiosis, fleas, flies, giardia, heartworm,
hookworms, lice and...read more
Small Dogs - Different Breeds, Different Personalities
Small dog breeds are great pets, but since their personalities are all different, it's a good idea to look at their individual characteristics to see...read more
|
lungs. It is rare that a dog will be infected by only one worm and as the mature worms in the heart grow in size and number, the conditions worsen, eventually causing a blockage of blood flow. It is at this point that the dog will start to display physical signs which can include pain, hypertension, difficulty breathing, lethargy or even fainting. In extremely progressed cases the dog can suffer from heart failure and death although by the time the heartworm disease has reached this
Buy this Art Print
stage the owner has probably realized that something is going on and sought veterinary care.
Treating Heartworm Infection
Once a dog has been diagnosed as having heartworms, treatment must be started. What this treatment is and how it is administered is dependant on the stage of heartworm infection. Generally, there are four stages of heartworm disease.
Stage One - Dogs at the lowest risk - heartworms are detected in X-rays but all other tests appear normal.
Buy this Art Print
Stage Two - Dogs are moderately infected, may have some difficulty breathing and be demonstrating coughing
Stage Three - Dogs are severely affected & may display weight loss, have difficulty breathing, blood tests likely show kidney and/or liver damage
Stage Four - Dogs have Vena Cava Syndrome and are in shock, essentially dying - surgery may be undertaken to remove worms, but there is no guarantee that it will save the dog.
When it comes to heartworms in dogs,
Buy this Art Print
Also see :
Can dogs see color?
presented by David the Dogman
As an ardent reader of the Collins Dog Photoguide I came across this article, which I feel, might be of...read more
Dogs & Kids: Happy Together
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best can be the stuff of childhood dreams. At it's worst, it can be a source of heartache and pain...read more
|
prevention truly is the best medicine. The best time to begin a preventative treatment is early in puppy-hood, before the dog is seven months old since dogs older than seven months are at a great risk for adverse reactions to the preventative treatments.
About the Author
Kirsten Hawkins is a dog lover and animal expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.doghealth411.com/ for more information on dog health, the care of dogs, and dog travel.
More Dogs Articles
Dogs - Proper Nutrition The Key To Good Health
Dogs Need Good Food Too - Your Guide to Your Dog's Diet
Dogs' nutritional needs may differ from ours. What we deem as
healthy for us might not...
How Smart Are Pit Bull Terrier Dogs?
People say a lot of things about Pit Bulls, but you never hear
them talk much about the intelligence of this particular breed.
Fact is you'll never...
Buy this Matted Print
For Dog Lovers Like You and Me
|
sitemap
copyright yourdoginfo.com 2006
|
Recently Added Dogs Articles
Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
Mast cell tumors are common on or just under the skin of dogs.
Any breed of dog can develop a mast cell tumor (MCT), but
certain breeds are...read more
Names for Dogs
Naming the family puppy can be a difficult task. There are many
resources to help out with ideas and brainstorming, but in the
end, a name that...read more
Parvo in Dogs
www.web-rover.com
What Is Parvo
Parvo is a serious viral disease that can be deadly even if treatment is given. So, to protect your...read more
Taking Care Of Your Dog's Teeth And Gums
Clean teeth and gums are very important of the overall health of your dog. Here are some information on the most common dental problems of dogs...read more
The Best Toys for Your Dogs
Dogs is a major status symbol in American pet-keeping. Every
year, over 12 billion dollars have been spent on dog food and
veterinary care alone....read more
.gif)
Common Signs of Arthritis in Dogs - Overview of Dog Arthritis Medications and Supplements
Unfortunately, arthritis in dogs is about as common as it is in people. It may range from mild to moderate or severe. If your dog is overweight, the...read more
Dog Training: How To Understand Your Dog's Mood
Make you puppy training easier and more fun by understanding that your puppy is trying to communicate with you in other ways than barking...read more
Kids and Dogs Safety Tip Sheet
from David the Dogman
Just this side of Heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to...read more
Training Dogs the Lazy Way
Have you ever found it difficult to get your dog to do as it is
told? Well, today we're going to show you how to train him the
lazy way, and get...read more
Weight Loss Tip #7: When You Hang Around Dogs, You Get Fleas
Can you remember the last few times you completely gorged on
food that you KNEW was making you fat?
Were you alone? And if not, who were you...read more
Some News About Dogs
|
