Heartworm Disease in Dogs – Signs and Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Dogs
Heartworm disease in dogs is a serious condition that can be treated. If caught early, dogs may be cured. However, the disease can also cause a host of problems. Learn about the stages of heartworm disease, the signs and symptoms of the disease in dogs, and the ways to get your pet treated.
Can heartworm in dogs be cured?
The short answer is “yes.” In addition to using a combination of antibiotics, your veterinarian can apply heartworm prevention to your dog monthly. This treatment is more effective than the traditional two-shot approach and can also be more affordable. Once your dog has received heartworm prevention, he or she will need to undergo several months of observation and rest.
In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend additional testing to confirm the infection and determine the best course of action. These tests can include X-rays, blood work, and urine tests. In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend surgical removal of the worms.
How long will a dog live with heartworms?
Heartworm disease in dogs is a serious disease that can cause permanent damage to the heart. It also affects the liver and kidneys and may even lead to death. The disease usually starts without any noticeable symptoms but can become more apparent over time. Symptoms can include coughing, difficulty breathing, rapid tiring, and weight loss. A vet can detect heartworm disease by looking for microfilaria in the dog’s blood. Treatment for heartworm disease involves injectable medications that kill adult worms. It can take two or three months to complete the treatment.
Heartworm treatment can only cure the disease if the infection is detected and treated early. The goal of treatment is to stabilize the dog and kill all heartworms while minimizing side effects. Although heartworm treatment can be expensive and complicated, most dogs can be successfully treated.
What are the final stages of heartworms in dogs?
Depending on the stage of the infection, treatments for heartworm disease in dogs can range from simple preventive measures to complicated surgical procedures. The goal of treatment is to eliminate adult worms as well as to improve the dog’s overall clinical condition. The drug melarsomine is one of the most common treatments used to kill adult heartworms. It is given through injections deep into the dog’s lumbar muscles. It is effective at eliminating adult heartworms but has a low margin of safety and may cause serious side effects and even death in some dogs.
In addition to testing for heartworms in dogs, blood tests are important in determining the extent of the infection. The tests used in the diagnosis of heartworm disease include chest radiographs, blood chemistry profiles (CBC), urine, and electrocardiograms (EKGs). If your dog does not show any signs of heartworm disease or infection, he or she is most likely infected. However, if your dog does show clinical signs, it is still important to run additional tests before starting any heartworm treatments. If the tests are normal, then your dog is likely to have no serious side effects.
Do dogs poop out heartworms?
Heartworms are parasitic worms that infect dogs. They are spread to dogs through mosquito bites. A mosquito bite will pass on microfilariae to a dog, which ingests them and develops into adult heartworm larvae. This parasitic worm can live in the dog’s body for six months or longer. The symptoms of heartworm disease in dogs begin around six months after the first exposure to the parasite.
After a dog receives treatment for heartworms, the worms will die. The dead worms are carried into the lungs, where they lodge in the small blood vessels. Over the next few months, they decompose and are absorbed by the body. During this time, pets with heartworms should be placed on rest for six to eight weeks. Pet owners must coordinate with the vet to determine the right resting period for their dog.
Do dogs with heartworms sleep a lot?
Heartworm disease is a serious illness characterized by numerous symptoms. A dog will lose weight and become weak and unable to stay active. It will also lose its appetite. If you notice that your dog is sleeping more than usual, then your dog might have a heartworm infection.
The best way to prevent this disease is to protect your dog from mosquito bites. If you think your dog has heartworms, it is best to see your veterinarian right away. Heartworm disease is a serious condition that requires expensive, time-consuming treatment. You should start your dog on preventative medication immediately.
In the early stages of the disease, your dog will display no outward symptoms. It may have an occasional cough and show signs of fatigue, even after moderate exercise. Other symptoms may include coughing and anorexia, as well as rapid weight loss. Eventually, your dog may also exhibit chest protrusion and fluid buildup in the abdomen.
