Mosquitos and Heartworm

Mosquitoes are one part of the life cycle of heartworms. They are an important part that makes the cycle complete.

Life cycle of heartworm

Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes that are infected with baby heartworms called microfilaria.

1. A mosquito picks up the microfilaria when it bites an infected dog.
2. Microfilaria mature into larvae in the mosquito. This takes 7-10 days.
3. After the microfilaria mature into larvae they are transmitted to a dog when the mosquito feeds.
4. These larvae then migrate through tissue and into the bloodstream. Larvae take 6 months to mature into adults. They will migrate into the pulmonary vessels of the heart and lungs.
5. Adult heartworms will mate and the microfilaria will make there way into the bloodstream of the dog and be transferred to a mosquito when the mosquito bites. This effectively starts the process again.

Symptoms of a possible heartworm infection

1. Coughing
2. Exercise intolerance
3. Trouble breathing
4. Loss of consciousness

If you notice these symptoms your Veterinarian will look for these signs as well.

1. Abnormal lung sounds
2. enlargement of the liver
3. Fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity

Heartworms can cause much damage to the heart, liver, lungs and other organs if not treated.

To diagnose Heartworm disease your Veterinarian will likely use the following tests.

1. Blood test/antigen test.... Looks for the presence of proteins excreted by sexually mature female heartworms
2. Filter test... looks at blood under a microscope to see if there are any microfilaria.
3. Other routine bloodwork including a chemistry panel and a complete blood count. These will tell your Veterinarian if there is problems with other organs and if there is an infection present.
4. X-rays.. will allow your Veterinarian to see if there is damage to heart, liver, lungs etc.
5. Ultrasound.. can sometimes see the heartworms on an ultrasound and it is also can tell your Veterinarian more information on how badly compromised the organs are.

If your dog is diagnosed with Heartworm Disease your Veterinarian may prescribe the following prior to treatment.

1. Anti-biotics.. Because as heartworms die they release a bacteria into the bloodstream which can cause an immune response and worsen the heartworm disease and the inflammation in the lungs and kidneys.
2. Monthly Heartworm preventative... To kill the smaller larvae before initiating treatment to kill the adults.
3. Steroids for inflammation

The treatment for the adult heartworms takes 60 days to complete. It consists of a series of injections with an organic arsenic compound to kill the adult heartworms. The compound is injected into the lumbar(back) muscles of your dog. On injection days your dog will have to stay at the Animal Hospital under observation.

One of the VERY important parts of the heartworm treatment will be keeping your dog calm and quiet. Activity level must be limited during treatment and for several weeks following. The reason for this is because fragments of dead worms move and block blood flow through the pulmonary vessels and cause or worsen the inflammatory response. Too much strenuous activity increase blood flow to blocked areas causing capillaries to rupture. This will increase the likelihood of complication and damage to organ and could result in death.

Surgery will be an option if worms are found to be in the large vein called the vena cave located between the heart and liver.

Your dog should be re-tested for heartworm after treatment and again 6 months later. If a positive result after 6 months then treatment will need to be repeated.

Heartworm has been reported in all 50 states. The cost of diagnostic tests and treatment could be up to $1000 or more.

Heartworm prevention is KEY! Prevention is the most cost effective option. A yearly blood test for heartworm can be done at your annual visit to the Veterinarian. A six month supply of heartworm preventive will cost around $50-$60 dollars.

Using heartworm preventative year round is recommended. There are many very good choices of heartworm preventative out there. Many of them help control other parasites such as roundworms and hookworms. Your Veterinarian will help you choose which one is best for your dog based on your needs and where you live.

Puppies 6 months and under can start heartworm preventative prior to being tested. A dog that is older than that should be tested if they have never been on heartworm preventative. It takes 6 months for a dog to test positive after being infected.

Mosquito Repellents

Deet is a popular mosquito repellent used in OFF! and other brands. It is HIGHLY toxic to dogs if ingested. It is not recommended to use on dogs because there is such a high probability of them liking at their fur and ingesting it.

K-9 Advantix spot on repels mosquitoes and Veterinarian recommended.

Natural Choices

Repel uses lemon eucalyptus oil

Biteblocker uses geranium and soybean oil

Citronella sprays and candles help keep mosquitoes away.

I hope this general information was helpful.

Thanks for reading.😀🐶

Teri

Next week: Some First Aid Tips

Have a great week..... hug your dog🐶🐾