Heartworm Prevention Is Way Better Than The Cure
submitted: 2008-04-11 02:37:05 |
by: RebeccaFoxton
Total views: 53 |
Word Count: 456 |
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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.
If untreated, the animal will find exertion more difficult and may faint under physical strain or undergo extreme breathlessness. The parasites can also damage the lungs, kidneys, and liver, causing the death of the animal when these organs or the heart itself fails.
Treatment is possible, but it is lengthy (18 months or more). It is also unpleasant for the animal, usually involving an arsenic compound or other heavy duty heartworm meds to kill the parasites, and may even require surgery. For the vast majority of the infection, you may not notice any symptoms.
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.
Heartworm and other parasites can also be treated by using a topical application such as Revolution, which is not only a heartworm control, but also a program of flea control and parasite control. Heartworm protection is very effective thankfully, so there is no need for your pet to be adversely affected. Consult your vet to get your dog checked out.
A blood test is the most common diagnostic tool, and medications can prevent and cure the infection if one is discovered. X-rays may be necessary for the vet to see the full extent of infection, should your animal test positive for heartworms. Remember, especially in the case of heartworm infections, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of 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.
About the Author
About the author: Rebecca Foxton wants to help you bring your pet brilliant health with Heartgard Plus. Check out her nutrition tips for people with dogs and cats and read her FortiFlora article series on Dog Buffs.
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