All About Dog Heartworm Disease and Prevention
What are heartworms and how do they affect dogs?
Heartworms are parasites transmitted by mosquitoes. They primarily affect the lungs rather than the heart, impacting the heart only in the late stages of the disease. Most patients are affected by a heartworm burden in their lung fields, causing irreversible damage.
How do dogs obtain heartworms, and what are some signs to look out for?
Dogs can acquire heartworm from mosquito bites, even if they live mostly indoors. The majority of affected dogs come from the southeastern United States. Symptoms range from congestive heart failure to no symptoms at all, with some dogs appearing perfectly fine until they test positive on their first heartworm test, while others may show coughing symptoms.
How will a veterinarian diagnose heartworm in a dog?
Heartworm is diagnosed through 4DX testing, also known as Accuplex testing, depending on the diagnostic lab. The test detects adult female heartworms and does not identify younger stages or the male population. Testing usually begins when dogs are between 12 and 18 months old. For dogs from the southeast, testing starts 6 to 8 months after they are transported to the northeast. After the initial test, it is repeated every 12 months.
What happens if a pet tests positive for heartworm?
If a pet tests positive for heartworm, a second panel is used to confirm the result, and the younger life stages of heartworm are also checked. Chest X-rays may be recommended to assess heart enlargement or other concerns in the thoracic field, along with running full blood work before starting treatment.
What can I do to prevent my dog from getting heartworm?
Heartworm prevention is recommended once a month using products available in topical, injectable, or oral forms. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes, not from dog to dog, so even indoor dogs can acquire it.
Is there a dog heartworm vaccine available?
There is no vaccine for heartworm, but Proheart, a 12-month long-acting injectable, is the closest alternative. Routine prevention is recommended for all dogs based on the product used.
What should I do if I forgot to give my dog their heartworm preventative?
If a dog misses a dose, it should be tested and retested in 6 months to ensure it is heartworm negative.
Are heartworm preventatives safe for dogs?
Heartworm preventions are generally safe, but if a dog is pregnant or lactating, it is advised to consult a veterinarian.
How will my veterinarian treat a heartworm-positive dog, and how successful is it?
There are three publicized treatment protocols: slow-acting, two-injection, and three-injection methods. The three-injection method is recommended due to its 90 to 95% success rate, compared to 60% for the two-injection protocol, which might require repeated treatment. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, rest, and a timeline directed by a veterinarian. Steroids, pain medications, and further rest are often part of the treatment to minimize complications.
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