Use our Animal Care Library for quick, easy access to our most common animal care problems. Use our Animal Care Library for quick, easy access to our most common animal care problems. Use our Animal Care Library for quick, easy access to our most common animal care problems.
Heartworm is a silent killer of dogs and cats and by the time you notice the tell tale signs of the disease, the damage that has been caused is serious. IT IS PREVENTABLE
Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes (Dirofilaria immitis) where the infective larvae enter the bloodstream and move to the heart and adjacent vessels. It can take a number of years before dogs show outward signs of infection. Consequently, the disease is diagnosed mostly in 4 to 8 year old dogs. The disease is seldom diagnosed in a dog less than 1 year of age because the young worms (larvae) take up to 7 months to mature following establishment of infection in a dog.
Adult worms cause disease by clogging the heart and major blood vessels leading from the heart, by doing this the blood supply to other organs of the body is reduced, particularly the lungs, liver and kidneys, leading to malfunction of these organs. The disease initially causes a cough which progressively becomes worse. The dog becomes inactive and lethargic due to the weakening of its heart. It will not be able to tolerate exercise without coughing. In severe cases, fluid leaks out of the blood vessels and accumulates in the lungs and the lower part of the abdomen. This fluid gives the dog's abdomen a 'pear-shaped' appearance, resembling the shape of a balloon filled with water.
In most cases, diagnosis of heartworm disease can be made by a blood test that can be run at your veterinary practice. Further diagnostic procedures are essential, in advanced cases particularly, to determine if the dog can tolerate heartworm treatment.
For more advice on heartworm prevention talk to one of the team at Vet Cross
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Vet Cross Bundaberg Hospital
2 Inglis Court
(07) 4151 5044
info@vetcross.com.au
Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 3pm
Available for emergencies 24/7
Vet Cross Gin Gin
48 Mulgrave Street
(07) 4157 3991
gingin@vetcross.com.au
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: 9am - 12pm (nurse only)
Vet Cross Bargara
Bargara Central Shopping Centre,
Shop 19/699 Bargara Rd
(07) 4130 5003
bargara@vetcross.com.au
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: 9am - 12pm (nurse only)
Vet Cross Pet Store
2 Inglis Court
(07) 4152 5939
petstore@vetcross.com.au
Mon-Fri: 8am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 3pm