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Heartworm is a particularly nasty parasite which is spread from host to host by mosquitoes. Dog heartworms are a kind of filaris (a long thin worm), but the condition can affect cats, ferrets, coyotes, wolves, sea lions and even humans. This worm was named as such due to its habit in the final stage of its reproductive cycle to live in the heart of its host.

Without treatment, the afflicted animal will have increasing difficulty exerting itself, perhaps losing its breath or even passing out when under duress. At the end, the animal can die as a result of heart failure or failure of the kidneys, lungs or liver, as the parasites can also cause damage to these vital organs.

Treatment is lengthy and can take a year and a half to complete. This is usually comprised of several courses of highly potent anti-heartworm medications, including the use of a dangerous arsenic compound, to kill the parasites. In some cases, surgery may be necessary; each of these options may cause the animal great suffering. The animal may be totally asymptomatic for the greatest part of the infection.

The life cycle of the dog heartworm is approximately 6 to 7 months from the first bite of the mosquito to the parasite moving to the heart. Upon adulthood, the females can measure 30cm in length and the males 23cm. After 7 months, mating will have occurred and the females will have started producing microfilariae. Although heart worms used to only affect warm southern climates, they now affect anywhere which is habitable for mosquitoes.

Obviously, prevention of heartworms is far simpler and more effective than treatment after infection. Heartgard, a monthly prophylactic medication, contains ivermectin, a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic. Heartgard is popular for its ease of use, its relative inexpensiveness, and its effectiveness.

Milbemycin is the active ingredient in Inteceptor, and ProHeart utilizes moxidectin to kill the parasites. Heartgard Plus is the most widely used of all of these.

One can also treat heartworms and similar other parasites by the use of a topical application such as Revolution, which not only controls heartworm, but also serves to control fleas and other parasites. Heartworm prevention is so easy and effective, there is simply no reason to risk your pet’s health. To get your dog checked out, see your vet.

Medications can prevent and cure the infection, but a blood test is the most common form of diagnosis first. If your animal is found to be infected, an x-ray will show the extent of the damage that has been caused. Heartworm pills or injections can be prescribed, but as with anything, heart worm, flea, ticks or any other health condition, prevention is much better than cure.

Get informed by discussing canine heartworm with your vet at your dog’s next visit. Treatment of a heartworm infestation can exceed thousands of dollars, and may not always be effective. It’s much more economically and health savvy to be proactive and focus on prevention.

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