Heartworm Prevention Is Much Better Than The Cure
Rebecca Foxton
Heartworm is a particularly dangerous parasite that is spread from host to host via mosquitoes. A long thin worm known as filaris is commonly known to be found in dogs; many don't realize that they can also infect other animals such as sea lions, wolves, coyotes, ferrets, cats and shockingly, humans as well. The worm was named after its habit in the last stage of its reproductive cycle of taking up residence in heart of its host.
If left untreated, the animal will find exertion harder and may faint under physical strain or experience extreme breathlessness. Eventually the animal can die of heart failure or failure of the kidneys, lungs and liver as the parasites also damage these 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, which is the active ingredient in the heartworm treatment Interceptor, and moxidectin, which is the active ingredient in ProHeart, are two other heartworm preventatives. Heartgard Plus is the most popular anti-heartworm medication.
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.
First, diagnosis is commonly made by a blood test, then medications are given for the cure and prevention of the infection. The amount of the damage in an infected animal will be revealed by an x-ray. Heartworm pills or injections are a common route to take in curing an infection, however prevention is always much better than trying to cure heartworms. (This holds true with fleas, ticks, and other health conditions, as well.)
To get the information you need, ask about the canine heart worm at your dog's next routine check up. Don't risk your pet's health by trying to save money, as it will be more expensive in the long run if they do become infected. Plus your pet will be healthier if you prevent the heart worms in the first place.
About the author: Rebecca Foxton can help you give your pet better health with http://www.dogbuffs.com/?p=75) Heartgard Plus. For an excellent source of nutrition tips for pet owners, visit her http://www.dogbuffs.com/?p=80) FortiFlora article series on Dog Buffs.
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