Heartworms

Heartworms: This is a parasite (worm) that lives in the heart chambers and, after breeding, produce larva (microfillaria) that circulate in the bloodstream. This parasite (the larva) can only be transmitted to other dogs from mosquito bites, not through direct contact with an infect dog. Heartworm is predominantly in humid area such as the coastal region, foothills and the mountains.

Symptoms: Unfortunately, the symptoms do not appear until the disease is in the advanced stages. At the later stage the dog may tire easily, cough, lose weight and have difficulty breathing.

Prevention: Veterinarians can prescribe a monthly or daily oral medication. It is required that a blood test be performed to check for existence of larva before the prescription can be given.

Treatment: If larva are detected from the blood test, hospitalization is immediately started and the dog is given intravenous injections of a powerful medication for several days. Some dogs become ill from this treatment, so specific monitoring of kidney and liver functions are necessary.