Heartworms: Prevention, Signs, and Treatments
Heartworms are parasites that live in the heart and arteries of infected dogs and cats. These parasites are transmitted from one infected animal to another through mosquito bites and are more common in dogs than cats. Microfilaria is the early stage of heartworm; it is in this stage that they are transmitted to the blood of pets through infected mosquitos. Once transmitted, the microfilaria take six months to mature into adult worms.
It is vital to eliminate these parasites before they enter the adult stage. Once matured, heartworms can cause heart failure and respiratory distress. Though this parasite is a concern for many pet owners, it is treatable and preventable.
Signs of Heartworms
Your pet may be suffering from heartworms if they exhibit the following signs:
- Coughing during times of excitement or activity
- Rapid fatigue during exercise
- Bloated or fluid-filled abdomen
Because heartworms can take about six months to mature fully, it may take that long for your pet to start showing signs of the condition. Dogs can be infected with adult heartworms and not exhibit any clinical signs for months or even years. Once dogs are exhibiting signs of heart disease, the heart damage may be irreversible. This is why it is critical to have dogs tested annually for heartworms so that treatment is more likely to be successful before heart disease has developed.
Prevention
The first step to preventing a heartworm condition is annual testing. A test can help you and your veterinarian decide on the most recommended treatment or preventative action. If your dog is older than six months, prevention begins with an initial heartworm screening and an annual check-up. Once your pet is cleared, your vet will recommend an oral, topical, or injectable routine that’s best for you and your pup.
Heartworm prevention is quick and effective. Preventative methods include a monthly chewable or a bi-annual/annual injection from your vet. It is best to start this preventative practice when your pet is under six months of age, which will eliminate any microfilaria in their system. Prevention begins with an initial heartworm screening during their annual check-up if your dog or cat is older than six months. If your pet shows no signs at that time, your vet will recommend an oral or injectable routine.
Treatment
Finding out your pet has heartworms can be scary and concerning; however, treatments are available. When consulting with your vet to determine your pet’s treatment plan.
Here is what you can expect:
- An X-ray – will allow the vet to determine how advanced the heartworm disease is. The X-ray will also allow the vet to look for any enlargement of the heart and any signs of change in the arteries leading to and away from the heart. Your vet will also take this opportunity to look at your pet’s lungs. A shift in lung patterns can be an indication of lung disease.
- Medication – After verifying the presence of heartworms your veterinarian will give your pet medication that will stop any microfilaria from maturing into more adult worms. This will be followed by a steroid to help with inflammation as the worms start to die off. The vet-prescribed medication also provides respiratory support for your pet.
- Antibiotics – Your vet will prescribe an antibiotic that should be taken for 30 days, to address any infection due to heartworms and will allow the adult heartworms to become weakened and more susceptible to the adulticide treatment.
- Injection – After the antibiotics are administered your vet will give an injection to kill the adult worms. Your pet will likely have activity restrictions for some time to prevent any possible respiratory distress as the worms break off and die.
You will need to follow up with your vet for a second injection. This is given 30 days after the initial treatment. A third one will follow 24 hours later. A complete treatment of heartworms can take two to three months, depending on the severity of the condition.
Heartworms can be fatal when left untreated, so prevention is critical. Consistent pet exams and preventative supplements or injections can save pets distress and pet owners time and money. Schedule your annual pet exams today.
