THE HEARTWORM PARASITE
Heartworm is just as serious as it sounds - worms that live in your dog’s heart and lungs. Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis and is spread from dog to dog by mosquitoes. Heartworm is endemic in Australia, with more than 2,900 cases reported to Zoetis alone since 2017. Heartworm primarily infects dogs and cats however it also infects wild canids (foxes, dingos, and wild dogs), and the existence of these reservoirs means eradication is impossible. Although rare, heartworm can also infect humans, causing nodules in the lungs, which may be misdiagnosed as cancers or tuberculosis.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of heartworm in dogs may include:
Coughing
Lethargy or 'exercise intolerance'
Loss of appetite
Weight loss.
Pale gums
Shortness of breath
Enlarged abdomen due to fluid build up
Fortunately, most cases can be detected before symptoms develop, which means treatment can be instigated early if detected early. Talk to your vet about regular testing, even if you are giving regular prevention, just to make sure. Early detection can be the difference. Heartworm disease most commonly affects the heart and lungs, however heartworm can also affect your dog’s liver and kidneys, and cause anaemia from damage to blood cells as well. If you are concerned that your dog may have heartworm, visit your vet immediately. They will be able to perform a series of diagnostic tests to confirm if your dog has heartworm and treat appropriately. All dogs 7 months or older should be tested for heartworm disease at least annually.
Click here to learn more about heartworm testing.
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